Casa y Hogar’s – Top 10 Cities for Hispanics.

Quality of life, close contact with our family, our job, and even our friends… All has a lot to do with the place we live. It’s true: our geography determines many of our choices. That’s why, the place our home is located is so important.

Casa y Hogar has researched which are the best cities for Latino families today, cities were you can find what matters; from a good job, to being close to your family and friends, without forgetting about our culture, and, why not? a pleasant weather.

Latino Workers for a Growing Market

The number of Hispanic workers in the U.S. keeps growing. And the reason is that there are jobs. According to the predictions of the United States Labor Department, around 2014 Hispanics will be the fastest-growing ethnic group among all the ethnic groups in the country. But, which one is the work area that offers more work possibilities for Hispanics? Sales and services, according to statistics. Almost half of Latinos work in this sector (45.1%), followed by manufacturing jobs, transportation, agriculture and construction (37.2%). In addition, economic forecasts are looking good (2.8% GDP growth for 2007) and salaries are increasing too (1.7% in the last 12 months).

Health Issues

Hispanics are the demographic group with less medical insurance in all the United States. One of the times we have a bigger need for health coverage is during pregnancy, and when we have small children. It seems a good idea to live in a place where we can have access to these services. In some states people earning over 133% of the Federal Poverty Level have access to Medicaid. Thus, a family of four not earning over $27,464 in 2007, will have access to medical coverage. However, there are states such as California were this figure goes up to 41,300. These figures allow many more Latinos to have access to health care.

More Education: Better Jobs

For Hispanics, this is particularly true. Statistics show a strong relationship between the level of education of a young Latino and his/her possibilities of finding a good job. Data shows those who have only finished high school earn around $28,000 per year but those who went to college have incomes of $47,000 per year. An advanced degree will get you more than $90,000. States that have programs to help children that don’t speak English and programs to accommodate children from families with long working hours are a good option.

A Place of Your Own

To have a place you can call home is a dream that most Latino families share. Home prices in the U.S. have increased sharply in the last few years. Today, the average price of a house is at $232,300, according to government figures. The good news is that there is a slight trend down in homes, especially in areas where Hispanics tend to live. In 2006, the average price of a house was $246,500.

Family and Culture

There is a phenomenon that has been puzzling researches for a few years. In spite of the lack of prenatal care during pregnancy, and in spite of having less resources than women from other ethnic groups, Hispanic babies are born less prematurely and with better weight than other babies. Some say that this is due to the Latino Way of Life, with close family ties, a strong presence of spirituality and religion and, in general, a healthier way of living. For Hispanic newcomers it’s very common to arrive to relatives or friends homes and remain there until they can take care of their own. It’s not surprising that the states where more Latinos live are the ones attracting more Latinos, and, in turn, the ones were Hispanic families are surrounded by a more intense Latino environment.

And a Little Bit of Sun…

We come from sunny lands and we like good weather. According to census data, more that three quarters of Latinos live in the Southwest. In fact, half of Hispanics, that is, around 20 million, are spread between California and Texas.

If you are thinking about moving with your family, or in finding a place to start a new one, these are some options that you might consider.

The Best Ten Cities

1. Los Angeles, CA
Around five million Latinos call Los Angeles “home”. It’s a big city with a constant need of bilingual speakers to work in the services sector. Medicaid is open for people with earnings 200% above FPL and there are plans to broaden even more the coverage. Although home prices could be high in some places (average $400,000) there are areas where it’s still possible to find houses for $250,000 (Acton, Lancaster, Littlerock, Llano). Also, according to the last data from the real state market, houses prices are going down in California. In addition, the biggest Cinco de Mayo Festival of the whole country takes place here!

2. Miami, FL
Miami has one of the lowest unemployment rates for Hispanics. There is a strong Latino presence in education programs and, of course, in the universities -they have the highest rate of Hispanic students in the country. In the Miami area is still possible to find homes for around $200,000 (Hialeah, Homestead) and you also have to factor in the warm and sunny weather all year round.

3. Orlando, FL
Latino population in central Florida had a spectacular increase in the last ten years, especially in the Orlando area. Construction related businesses have done remarkably well. Also, the level of studies of Hispanics living in Orlando is above the national average. Although house prices have increased, the average price is around $230,000.

4. Las Vegas, NV
One out of every four people in Las Vegas area is of Hispanic origin. Along with having one of the lowest unemployment rates of the country, Vegas is a very appealing place for new families and figures probe it: Each month around 10,000 people move to Vegas. Home prices are around $230,000 or less, depending on the area.

5. Phoenix, AZ
Latinos are the youngest and fastest growing population segment in the Phoenix area. According to estimates, in 2010 almost a third of the city will be Hispanic. Phoenix is the eight biggest Hispanic market and a place with lots of opportunities for new families. It is also one of the places where houses still have a reasonable price (around $200,000).

6. Austin, TX
This beautiful Texan city, where one of every four residents is Latino, ranks among the cities with lowest costs of living in the U.S. Austin has also an excellent university and a relevant presence of Hispanic students. House prices are around $240,000, but depending on the area, can go down. The weather is nice (although with a high rate of pollen and allergies). It has a variety of museums and traditions that perpetuate Latino culture.

7. Albuquerque, NM
Home of the New Mexico University main campus it has a strong public school system with programs for students whose language English skills are not good yet. Albuquerque has a nice dry warm weather and according to the Labor Department of New Mexico, the prospect for the local economy is quite good; many companies are starting to think in Albuquerque due to the low cost of housing. In addition, Albuquerque has many thriving small businesses.

8. San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is the Hispanic city by excellence. ¡Almost 60% of their residents are Latinos! Is a vibrant place, full of culture, where any Latino can feel like at home. San Antonio population is young (32 year, the national average is 36) and it has a job market focused on services, as well as lots of small businesses. The cost of living is below national average and it is possible to find a home for less than $200,000.

9. San Diego, CA
San Diego its one of the most beautiful and Latino flavored cities in the coast of California: It has a magnificent climate and it’s only minutes away to the Mexican border. San Diego has excellent universities and a Hispanic population that by the next decade will be close to being the majority. Although San Diego is a place where salaries are higher, prices of homes are high too (around $400,000 for a family home).

10. Chicago, IL
If you are about to move to Chicago, don’t forget to pack some good coats and sweaters! Weather in Chicago, also known as “The Windy City”, could be anything but warm. The job market revolves around commerce and finances, it has great universities and a growing Hispanic population. In spite of being a big city like New York or Los Angeles, it’s possible to rent an apartment for less money than in those two. However, the cost of living is high and house prices are above national average.

By Lourdes Alcañiz/Casa y Hogar