Inside the Best Cities For Black Women Expats to Live

Back in June, I took my first international trip outside of the US to Belize. It was an amazing experience and, like most people who travel to Caribbean countries, I didn’t want to leave. No, literally I did not want to come back to St. Louis, MO.

There was something inspiring and refreshing about being outside of the states. I felt free and, for the first time ever, I began to wonder what life would be like living in another country permanently. I started to do some research to find destinations that may be better suited for my future as a young, Black, millennial woman looking for something more. 

A quick Google search landed me on an article from a young woman named Candace, a Black ex-pat and travel blogger residing in London. Candace’s list of the nine best cities for Black women to live in led me down a path of discovering some amazing destinations perfect for girls like me looking to work remotely or relocate abroad. 

What Measures Quality of Life for Black Women Expats?

There are several factors that contribute to quality of life for Black women expats, the first being social connections. When leaving the nest and all of what you have been accustomed, finding your tribe, residing in safe neighborhoods, and connecting with alike people means the world. Let’s be honest, it’s sort of a make-or-break ordeal.

Secondly, affordability is key. Ultimately, most would consider financial freedom, good health, community, and professional opportunities quality of life. Who doesn’t want a safe haven that isn’t too expensive and won’t break your pockets, a welcoming, friendly city with great people and amazing business opportunities? Additionally, some may also consider cultural diversity as one of the many keys to a quality life for Black women expats. This makes for a great melting pot to meet different types of people and learn all there is to learn about other cultures.

FAQ

Where are Black American expats moving to? Black American expats are relocating to various places, though one of those most popular places for black expatriates is Lisbon, Portugal. Many are likely not aware that there is a community of thriving expatriates there and many of which move to Portugal for less rental costs, access to nature, healthy sunlight, and more accessibility to beach life and watersports.

What are the best cities for Black women to flourish financially? The top 5 cities for Black women to flourish are:

Atlanta, GA: A well-known metropolitan area with a large Black female population that is educated and extremely economically prosperous.

Washington, DC: A popular city with countless opportunities and schools, which later provides considerably stable jobs, advanced education, and huge accomplishments for Black women.

Houston, TX: Known to be a great location for young, Black professionals, with no income tax, and 1.8 million Black women.

Raleigh, NC: A huge city with a booming job market and countless industries which provides amazing opportunities for good-paying jobs, and a large Black population.

Baltimore, MD: A prime location for Black entrepreneurs, with nearly half of all businesses being Black-owned, and a lower cost of living.

What is the best state for black women to live? The South is known to be home to 13 of the top 25 cities for Black women.

Here’s a deeper dive into the best cities for Black women ex-pats to live in 2022.