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.
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.
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