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The Best
The Top 10 Cities for Hispanics
From coast to coast, we looked for cities
that showcase the lifestyle we want to live–surrounded by
Latino representation, where Hispanic culture is woven into the
fabric of daily life, where education and going green are priorities,
and with a sense of physical and economic security. In these urban
spaces, the Hispanic population is thriving, unemployment is low
to average, the cost of living in manageable, Latinos are an active
part of city leadership, environmental issues are on the city agenda,
resources for Hispanic entrepreneurs are available, and the arts,
media and cultural institutions serve the community. From the 100
largest cities in the country, we can argue that these metropolises
come closest to fulfilling our wish list. In our annual feature,
here we bring you the best places of 2009.
albuquerque
Frequently named to various “Best City” lists, (among
its honors include being a smart city, good for young people, good
for dogs, good for corporate offices, good for business) its most
recent honor was by U.S. News and World Report, which dubbed it
one of the Top 10 Places to Live in the U.S. Led by Mayor Martin
J. Chavez, now in his third term, the city is one of a growing number
of metropolises led by or led in part by Hispanic officials. And
it’s a good representation of the dynamic population—nearly
half of the city’s residents are Hispanic. It’s evident
in the leading Hispanic organizations that call the city home, such
as the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Hispano Chamber of
Commerce, a Latino film festival and more. An easy climate, good
home prices and low unemployment help make residence a joy.
austin
With its world-class academic, scientific and artistic communities,
there is a lot to admire in this Texas capital. As the home of the
University of Texas at Austin, the city attracts scholars from all
over the world to take part in ground-breaking work in everything
from astronomy to filmmaking. As the Live Music Capital of the World,
Austin has developed a reputation as a mecca for musicians—who
sing in English, Spanish and more. It’s also home to a renowned
Latino theater company. A lower than average cost of living, relatively
low unemployment rate, manageable home prices and a health-wise
and environmentally conscientious lifestyle add to the appeal.
dallas
The business of booming is doing just that in Big Dallas. As major
cities worry about their bottom line and see residents leave for
other locales, Dallas has experienced new growth—in fact,
it’s the second-fastest growing area in the U.S. Latinos represent
nearly 60 percent of that, boasting a
$20 billion economic heft. Almost 13 percent of businesses are owned
by Hispanics, much to the pride of the multi-award winning Greater
Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As commerce grows, the city
is attempting to keep its environmental impact in check. One of
its new efforts includes increasing public transportation.
houston
The recent winner of a $700,000 grant to help improve the city’s
air quality, Denver plans to give some of its vehicles a green makeover.
It’s another positive step the eco-conscious area is making
to protect its moderate climate and picturesque natural landscapes.
In addition to its sustainability programs, Greenprint Denver tracks
the city’s road to greener pastures. The city is also serious
about representing its big Latino population. Denver’s Latino
Commission serves as a mayoral advisory board with its ear to the
Hispanic community. It’s a vibrant community at that, boasting
numerous organizations such as the Museo de las Americas, the Latino
Community Foundation of Colorado, the Denver Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce and more.
denver
With the positive changes the city is making, it seems Houston is
taking stock. It is maintaining its status as the Energy Capital
of the World, but also giving traditionally green cities a run for
their money. In 2008, Houston was the country’s top green
power buyer, with about a fourth of that from wind energy. With
one of the lowest costs of living for a major city, it’s a
great place to live economically, healthfully and environmentally.
miami
Its location and year-round balmy weather make Miami a great vacation
spot as well as the gateway to Latin America. As a result its enormous
Hispanic community (nearly 70 percent of the population) it is a
dynamic area, representing many generations of Latinos from all
over. Numerous media outlets, arts organizations, business associations
and civic commissions serve the community. Few cities have as many
active Latino city leaders as Miami, where both the city and county
mayor are Hispanic. Although there are plenty of pluses to the Magic
City, home prices are not as low as other locales listed.
phoenix
The weather’s not the only thing that’s sizzling in
Phoenix. Home to a very active Latino community, some of the country’s
premier organizations call the city home, including the Hispanic
Women’s Conference, the National Catholic Conference for Hispanic
Ministry and the National Task Force on Early Childhood Education
for Hispanics. The desert locale makes the city very water and environmentally
conscious. Phoenix also boasts relatively low housing, healthcare
and utilities costs for such a large city.
san diego
Things are a bit more expensive in San Diego. With the highest cost
of living of any city listed, residents can take heart that labor,
too, is more expensive. Here workers earn higher wages. And the
business minded find support in the impressive San Diego Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. The active business community is matched by
the vibrant arts scene, where the San Diego Latino Film Festival
plays prominent. Plus the city boasts a number of Hispanic and Spanish-language
media outlets. In terms of its environmental efforts, San Diego
scores high marks for good public transportation and city planning.
san antonio
With the lowest unemployment rate of any city listed and one of
the lowest costs of living, San Antonians have it made. People are
taking notice, as today it’s the fifth fastest growing city
in the country. Its Hispanic community is well-known as the pulse
of the cultural arena. With Hispanic landmarks, celebrations and
arts woven into the tapestry of the city one could argue that San
Antonio wouldn’t be San Antonio without its strong Latino
core. It’s not dissimilar in the political world as well.
With his recent election, Mayor Julian Castro joined the few Hispanic
mayors in the country, and at 34, became the nation’s youngest
of a major American city. It seems fitting considering this was
the first major American city to elect a Mexican American mayor—Henry
Cisneros in 1981.
tucson
Tucson values its Hispanic heritage. An innovative Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce and many Hispanic organizations keep the community active,
although the city could use more Hispanic and Spanish-language media.
Old style Spanish architecture is still stands today and the local
culture is Mexican, Spanish, Western, Native American and European,
all a vital part of the city’s mix. So, too, is an appreciation
for the outdoors. Tucson is often named to healthy cities lists
(and to best places to live lists, good jobs lists, good food lists
and more). Careful energy and water usage are big concerns. As a
Solar America City, Tucson plans to install seven solar-electric
projects by year’s end. The city also boasts a citizen-driven
Office of Conservation and Sustainable Development.
{honorable mentions}
Although we could only name our ten best, there are many cities
throughout the
country that boast dynamic Latino communities and otherwise lead
the pack.
New York City:
Although a high cost of living makes residing in the Big Apple costly,
it is home to one of, if not the most diverse Latino communities
in the world. Residents from all over South and Central America,
Mexico and the Caribbean reside here.
El Paso:
An enormous Mexican American population means that Hispanic culture
is alive and well in this border city. Hispanics have successfully
made their way into every cultural and civic arena, and head up
major local organizations.
Washington, D.C.:
The nation’s capital is the site of many national Hispanic
organizations and the seat of progressive Latino policy development.
San Jose:
Home to the Latino Community Foundation, an organization as thriving
as the community it serves, San Jose can take pride in its many
attributes. The site of the National Hispanic University boasts
a mild climate, a new focus on sustainability and large Hispanic
population.
Chicago:
The only thing keeping the Second City off the top 10 list, where
it is often named, was a slightly higher unemployment rate for the
period evaluated. Otherwise, the diverse Latino community makes
Chicago a definite contender for an excellent home.
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