Best Cities For Young Black Professionals and Creative Entrepreneurs

Your environment can make or break you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cities for young black professionals and creative entrepreneurs to live in.

 

Atlanta, Georgia

When you think about the best cities for black professionals and creative entrepreneurs Atlanta is an obvious pick. Atlanta has so much culture, history, and SPACE! There is so much room to build and grow your business in Atlanta. It’s also fairly affordable which is a deciding factor when you’re living off an artist’s budget. Atlanta has a large black community of affluent professionals from many industries. If being black, buying black, and thriving while black is on your agenda we suggest you consider checking out Atlanta, GA.

 

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington is known for its rainy days and “techie” culture. However, it’s also a great city to live in if you are a black millennial professional or creative entrepreneur. Seattle has a history of black activism which continues to thrive in 2020. Although Seattle is mostly white (which means old neighborhoods have been gentrified and are still being gentrified), South Seattle is said to be a hub for people of color. A Space where culture, art and activism come together as one community. If you are looking for a place to call home, neighbors you know by name, and streets painted in honor of the BLM Movement Seattle, Washington could be the place for you.

Houston, Texas

Although Texas is a red state (since 1976), Houston has become a mecca for black culture and excellence. Many consider it to be a “mini Atlanta” due to the African-American population growth in recent years. Houston has also become popular over the years thanks to super star power houses Like Beyoncé and Meg Thee Stallion. H-town has all the great amenities of a major city like Los Angeles but with the cost of living like Atlanta,GA. If you’re an artist on a budget or simply looking for a fresh start post-grad Houston has room for you!

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New York City

The OG of dreamer states, NYC will always be home for many creative entrepreneurs. Anyone with a dream can make it in the concrete jungle. The culture of NYC is like no other. The food, people, landmarks, history, talent is incomparable. If you don’t mind cold winters and humid summers New York City might be the move. Unlike cities mentioned previously, the cost of living is not budget friendly. Just because anyone with a dream can make it doesn’t mean everyone WILL make it. You need more than talent and famous friends to turn this city into your personal playground. If you have the heart, the hustle, and the will to win you’ll be okay. Just get used to loud crowded 6AM train rides and smelly elevators.

Los Angeles, California

Picture it: Sunsets by the beach, cool evening breeze, Taco Tuesday rooftop parties, and celebrities everywhere. That’s the story of Los Angeles but it’s not always that linear. If you are a young black professional or creative entrepreneur you might find that LA is 90% hype. Yes, it’s a great city (a city I’m fortunate enough to be able to afford) but this city was not created with us in mind. Our black neighborhoods are quickly becoming gentrified and thanks to the Los Angeles culture of “who you know” and not “what you know”- communities and workspaces are segregated. Which can be very frustrating if you are trying to scale a business or break into a new industry. However, the weather and the “come as you are” culture makes it easier to exist. It feels easier to be happy, the climate is pleasant which means so are most people, and there’s inspiration (and money)everywhere. I’ve been in three different Tesla’s and none of them were mine, I used to nanny for a very famous baseball player, and I babysat for a friend the night her husband won a Grammy. Which is really a testament to what’s possible. Sometimes you just need to be able to see other people having and doing what you desire. If you value hard-work, long commutes, beautiful sunsets, celebrity culture (and are willing to pay $1500 for a 400-square-foot studio apartment) then pull up!

That completes our list for the best cities for black professionals and creative entrepreneurs. At the end of it all what really matters is how hard you’re willing to work. The art is not in the city it’s in you.