The 20 Most Diverse Cities in the U.S.
People who live in diverse communities tend to have a stronger connection. Also, they learn to be helpful and happy. The US leads the way regarding diversity in terms of culture, race, and ethnicity. However, not all cities are created equal in this regard. Some are somewhat diverse, while others are pretty homogenous. The truth is that a diverse town is always more exciting and full. The diversity goes beyond ethnicity to lifestyle, food, and interests. As a result, residents and visitors have more options in different aspects of life. If you would like to visit a city that embraces diversity, here are 20 of the most diverse cities in the United States that you should consider.
20. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is Situated in the midwest; this city has a long and rich history. This is a prime example of one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Chicago has one of the most diverse populations of any major American city. An April 2016 report shows that 44% of residents have foreign-born parents, meaning they may speak a language other than English at home. Additionally, 11% are African-American or black, 35% are Latino or Hispanic, and over 16% speak a language other than English at home. One might also find some exotic dishes for sale in its many street food stands – it doesn’t get more diverse than this. The other aspects of diversity in Chicago are the different restaurants. Every type of culture can be found in this metropolis. For instance, Chinatown is home to a large number of Chinese residents.
19. San Francisco
San Francisco is another impressively diverse city in. Anyone can feel at home in this progressive and eclectic place. There are more than 180 languages spoken here, and the city’s population is over 25% Asian and Pacific Islander, 15% African American, 12% Latino, and 9% white. A thriving foodie scene makes this a must-visit for any food lover. But most importantly, diverse culture in the corporate and startup sectors fosters innovation. All these factors make it easy to see why San Francisco is considered one of the most livable cities in America and even the world. If you feel much comfortable in a city with people from all walks of life, moving to San Francisco could be a great idea.
18. Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known as the ‘City of Brotherly Love for its Irish, Eastern European, Italian, and Asian populations. Its police department advocates for equality, inclusion, and diversity within the city. And many companies are open to hiring people from different ethnicities and backgrounds. For example, people from different religions or no religion. You will find temples, mosques, and churches in various areas. There is an active and thriving LGBT community. And a strong policy that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. All this has helped make Philadelphia one of the most diverse cities in America. Hence, a great place for anyone pursuing the American dream, regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability.
17. Phoenix
Phoenix also cuts as one of the diverse places to live and work. A majority of its residents are Hispanic, followed by White Americans. There is a large African-American population too. It’s home to the largest Native American community in Arizona. The metropolitan area has been steadily growing, from around 1 million in 1990 to more than 1.6 million today. Notable landmarks include Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus, Heard Museum, Chase Field, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Memorial Coliseum Complex, Downtown Phoenix Public Art Project, and much more. And other diversity indicators in Phoenix include the percentage of households that speak a language other than English at home. According to KJZZ, there are over 163 languages spoken in this metropolis.
16. San Diego
Are you planning on moving to a diverse city in the United States? San Diego is one of the most popular cities for diversity. Mexican cuisine is popular here, and several different taco shops are available. You will find people from around the world here – it’s even possible to take classes at some of these restaurants. In fact, only 60% of the population in San Diego speaks English. The rest speak Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Residents enjoy exploring this city’s rich culture and natural beauty with over 30 miles of beachfront along the Pacific Ocean. With its mild year-round climate, San Diego is also home to many famous golf courses like Torrey Pines Golf Course, which has hosted the U.S Open three times in its history.
15. Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas is located in the North Central Region of the country. It has a population of 1300,000 and ranks as the fourth largest city in Texas. Dallas is home to many museums and cultural venues that have contributed to its status as one of the most diverse cities in America. The strongest diversity indicators in Dallas include languages spoken at home, race/ethnicity, age distribution, and education level. Foreign-born residents make up 23% of the total population, with over 230 languages spoken at home. Hispanics are the largest Dallas ethnic group, followed by Whites and blacks. And you will find a lot of mixed communities that are easy to fit in in this metropolis.
14. Austin, Texas
Texas leads the pack in several cities with racially diverse populations. Austin is another welcoming city in Texas, where you can be yourself and feel like you belong. It is home to over 5000 international students from 130 different countries. Many festivals celebrate diversity, such as the Austin International Festival, African American Cultural Festival, the Indian festival of colors, etc. The city is also liberal and progressive, with a massive LGBT community. And the Indian/ Asian population in this metropolis is on the rise. The most diverse neighborhoods in Austin include well Branch, Heritage Hills, University Hills, and so on.
13. Fresno, California
Fresno is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley and has over half a million population. According to Uphomes, the people in this metropolis are welcoming and friendly.Historically, this area was home to the Yokut Indians before it was settled by Mexicans, Europeans, and other groups. Today, the city has become known for its food scene with diverse offerings, including Asian cuisine and pupusas. The whites make up about 69% of the Fresno population. Blacks are around 8%, with American Indians and Asians calling this city home. The city is vibrant and livable. And its most diverse towns include Sunnyside, Tarpey Village, and Clovis. These three places are filled with family-owned shops, vintage buildings, and wonderful eateries. Tarpey Village is an old mining town that has been restored and revitalized. You can check out if you want a place to rent or set up a business.
12. Long Beach, California
Although Long Beach sometimes lives in the shadows of Los Angeles, it is a diverse and thriving city. According to World Population Review, Long Beach is home to over 467,000 people. From its large Asian population to its growing Mexican community, Long Beach is one of the most diverse cities in America. Juan Rodriguez, a Spanish explorer, was the first European to arrive in this area in 1542. The city is located in Southern California and contains the Port of Long Beach, the second busiest container port in North America. Not only does Long Beach contain rich cultures from all over the world, but it also boasts beautiful beaches on both sides of town. One faces south towards Catalina Island, and another faces north with views of Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro Bay, and Los Angeles. A coastal town with cosmopolitan flair, this diverse destination offers a variety of visitors. Its population is close to 500,000 and boasts a significant Asian and Black population.
11. San Jose, California (Silicon Valley area)
This list cannot be completed in San Jose, California. The diversity begins with the different landscapes you can see in these areas and extends to the people and culture. For instance, you may interact with people from India, Vietnam, China, and Korea in this metropolis. The software industry attracts professionals from all parts of the world. If you want to immerse yourself in a diverse culture and learn an international language, then Silicon Valley is for you. You will never have to worry about your lack of Spanish if you live here because the city is home to one-third of the region’s Hispanic population, which includes immigrants from Mexico and Central America.
10. Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is a beautiful and vibrant city perfect for those who want to explore diverse cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities. This metropolis is situated between the Hackensack and Hudson rivers. Linguistically, this city has impressive numbers, with over 155 languages spoken in various areas. Around 37% of the population speaks Spanish, the third most common language after English and Chinese (Mandarin). There are also immigrants from Asia and Latin America here. The diversity doesn’t end here, as many other immigrant groups like African Americans, South Asians, and Arab Americans have settled in Jersey City. There is even an Annual Diversity Cultural Diversity Festival that attracts thousands o residents and visitors.
9. New York City, NY
New York is a city that attracts people from all over the world. It is estimated that over 8 million residents have foreign roots. The five boroughs that make up New York are pretty diverse. You can find different ethnic groups living in each borough. For instance, Brooklyn is home to many African Americans, while Queens is home to a large number of Asian Americans. Each borough you choose to visit will offer a different experience. And this makes New York an interesting and exciting place to be. If you enjoy people-watching, this is the city for you.
8. Los Angeles, CA
Like New York, Los Angeles is also a city of immigrants. It is estimated that close to 40% of residents are immigrants. And this makes Los Angeles one of the most diverse cities in the United States. You can find people from all over the world in this city. Consequently, you will find a wide variety of food, culture, and interests. Some communities in Los Angeles include Korea, Thailand, El Salvador, and more. According to Los Angeles Almanac, it is the largest ethnic group in this city. And this is equivalent to over 4.8 million people. The most diverse neighborhoods in this city are Koreatown, Pico-Union, and MacArthur Park.
7. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the largest metropolis in the State of Michigan. The city is home to many African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents. You can find different cultures and ethnicities represented in other parts of the city. For instance, Dearborn is home to a large number of Arab Americans. And you can find many Hispanic residents on the city’s southwest side. The blend and mixture of cultures in Detroit have made it quite livable. From traditional middle eastern barbeque on the streets to taquerias, the diverse city will not disappoint you.
6. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio ranks as the second largest city in Texas, with a population of over 1.5 million people. In addition to its size and population, this metropolis is pretty diverse. The indicators of this city’s diversity are its racial and ethnic makeup and its foreign-born population. There are many interracial families in San Antonio and people from all walks of life. With over 60% of the majority-Hispanic population, San Antonio is a great place to experience traditional Mexican culture. The people in the city are friendly, and it is easy to make friends and enjoy social activities. And even though speaking Spanish could be an advantage in San Antonio, it is not a requirement as many people in the city are bilingual.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Known for its rich musical culture, Nashville is home to a diverse population of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It is a metropolis located in the heart of the southeastern United States and is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the country. In recent years, Nashville has seen a surge in population due to an influx of young professionals and families moving to the city. The city’s cuisine reflects its diverse population, with various restaurants offering cuisines worldwide. And you will meet people from all walks of life in Nashville. The most diverse neighborhoods in Nashville are Five Points, East Nashville and Sylvan Park.
4. Indianapolis, Indiana
With a population of about 900,000, Indianapolis is a populous metropolis in the Midwest region of the United States. The city is known for its rich history, diverse population, and beautiful architecture. Indianapolis is home to many immigrants from all over the world. In terms of language and food, this town is highly diverse. You can find churches, temples, and mosques in the city, reflecting the city’s diversity. The most diverse neighborhoods in Indianapolis are Fletcher Place, Near Eastside and Windsor Park. The rich culture makes it a great environment to live and work in. Heritage month encourages people to learn more about the city’s past and interact with the community.
3. Jacksonville, Ohio
Jacksonville is a marvelous place to live, with over 900,000 people. The city is located in the northeastern corner of Ohio and is known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. The city has a diverse population with many different cultures represented. You can find various restaurants serving food from all over the world. The mixed community creates a unique and exciting environment. Whites, Blacks, and Asians make up the most significant part of the population, but there are also smaller numbers of Hispanics and other minorities. Ortega, Riverside, and San Marco are the most diverse neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
2. Arlington, Texas
The modern-day Arlington has over 397,000 people. Over 20% of its population was born out of Texas. Arlington is a Diverse city with a lot of different cultural groups. The city is also home to The University of Texas at Arlington, which has many international students. Moreover, different activities and events in the city also reflect its diversity. For example, the DÃa de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in Arlington annually. It is a colorful event that includes traditional food, music, and dance. And the other indicator of diversity is the number of churches, temples, and mosques in Arlington. Regarding language and food, Arlington has a lot to offer its residents. The best diverse neighborhoods in Arlington are Downtown, Lincoln Heights, and Meadowbrook.
1. Houston, TX
Houston, TX, is a vast metropolis with over 2 million people. According to Governing The Future Of States and Localities, it is the most diverse city in the United States. The town is quite sprawling, and you can find different communities living in other areas. Its most ethnically diverse area is southwest Houston. And this is where you will find many Asian and Hispanic residents. You can also find a significant African American population in this city. It ranks 31st in cultural diversity and 125th in economic diversity.
