When it comes to raising a family, finding the perfect place to call home is a top priority. For Black families, this decision carries even more weight, considering the historical and systemic factors that have shaped our experiences in different cities across the United States. Luckily, Kindred by Parents has presented the first-ever Best Cities for Black Families Awards, recognizing places where Black families can find not only safety and great schools but also opportunities for wealth building, community and culture, environmental equity, safety, education, and health equity.
Best Cities Overall
According to Kindred by Parents, the best overall cities for Black families offer a combination of factors, including substantial Black community representation, cultural offerings, excellent educational opportunities, strong wealth-building prospects, and environmental and health equity.
Silver Spring, Maryland
A Washington, D.C. suburb, Silver Spring boasts clean and safe outdoor spaces, inclusive cultural programming, great property value, and a well-represented Black population. It offers racial diversity and a sense of community, with high educational attainment and income levels among Black households. It's a city where Black boys progress as well as their white counterparts in adulthood.
Additionally, Silver Spring has seen significant progress in areas like income levels.
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Atlanta, Georgia
Known for its rich Black American culture, Atlanta offers a vibrant community and opportunities for career growth. It has a strong presence of HBCUs and numerous cultural attractions.
New York, New York
Despite its size, New York City is one of the safest big cities in America with a diverse cultural scene. Recent reforms show the city's commitment to addressing past issues.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco scored high in many of the same categories as Silver Spring, and Niche ranks it as the second-best place to live for young professionals in America, with an overall grade of A+. Despite these advantages, researchers note that San Francisco lacks the strong sense of Black community found in other cities.
Best for Wealth Building
Building generational wealth is a critical consideration for Black families, given the historical disparities we've faced.
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Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina, emerges as a top choice for its strong property values and wealth-building opportunities, offering Black families a chance to secure their financial futures. Raleigh offers great property value and opportunities for homeownership, with significant growth in Black homeownership rates.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, also shines in this category, with its affordable housing market and opportunities for career growth, providing a conducive environment for wealth accumulation. Atlanta also shows a positive trend in Black homeownership rates, making it an attractive option for wealth building.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has seen an increase in Black homeownership, reflecting positive changes in wealth-building opportunities.
Best for Community and Culture
Atlanta, Georgia
Community and culture play a vital role in the well-being of Black families, and Atlanta, Georgia, stands out as a city that excels in this regard. With its rich cultural legacy, including its role in the Civil Rights Movement and a thriving arts scene, Atlanta offers Black families a vibrant and supportive community where they can thrive.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Despite its small size, New Orleans has a rich Black history, although cultural representation remains limited.
New York, New York
New York City is renowned as a bustling and diverse metropolis where people from various backgrounds come together to share their cultures. Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, is home to the second-largest Black community in a city in North America. However, the city's vastness, coupled with its numerous cultural hubs, can make it less accessible for some residents.
Oakland, California
Oakland, California, is known for its strong sense of community and vibrant cultural scene, particularly in the arts. The city allocates approximately $1 million in grants each year to support artistic ventures and opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural expression.
Best for Environmental Equity
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu stands out for its commitment to environmental sustainability and clean air, reflecting a strong environmental ethos.
Columbia, Maryland
Columbia offers public green spaces and recreational opportunities that support environmental health.
Washington, D.C.
With a strong parks system and ample green spaces, Washington, D.C., prioritizes environmental equity.
Best for Safety
New York, New York
Despite past issues, New York City is one of the safest big cities in America, with ongoing reforms to improve safety and justice. New York City stands out as a city that excels in this area. With its low crime rates and ongoing reforms in the criminal justice system, New York City provides a safe environment for Black families to live and raise their children
Columbia, Maryland
Columbia has been recognized as the safest city in America, although its lower Black population may skew safety statistics.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City stands out for its low violent crime rate and relatively low risk of becoming a victim.
Best for Education
Columbia, Maryland
Maryland's strong education system and diverse communities make Columbia an attractive option for families seeking quality education. Columbia, Maryland, emerges as a top city for its strong educational system and diverse communities. With its focus on equitable resources and representation, Columbia provides a nurturing environment for Black students to thrive.
Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring also offers a great education system, contributing to its overall appeal for Black families.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco provides a diverse education system but faces challenges due to its larger population.
Best for Health Equity
Los Angeles, California
California has implemented various laws to support health and wellness. Los Angeles, California, stands out for its commitment to health and wellness. With its low maternal mortality rate and comprehensive healthcare system, Los Angeles provides Black families with access to vital resources for their well-being.
New York, New York
New York City offers top-tier medical talent but faces challenges in health equity and access to care.
Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad stands out for its low maternal mortality rate, reflecting a commitment to health equity.
