23 Best Cities for Artists to Thrive in 2024
If you are an artist by training or at heart, you might be looking for the best cities for artists. If you’re wondering “Where is the best place to live for artists?”, wonder no more! We’ve rounded up 23 of the top cities for artists of all types.
Most artists know that finding community can be a critical component to their success, and the National Endowment for the Arts has studied the beneficial effects that artists have on their local communities. It has been proven that communities of artists can help promote social cohesion and growth.
So, whether you are looking to make a big change or just hoping to visit an art-friendly city, these 23 spots from all over the world will help jumpstart your creativity and help you grow as an individual and an artist.
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Best Large Cities for Artists
1. New York City, New York
When you ask yourself, “what city has the best art scene?” it’s difficult not to jump right to New York City. This best city for artists is home to countless art galleries and museums, plus it is America’s headquarters for the fashion industry.
In fact, it is probably one of the best cities for artists in the world. If you aren’t a full-time artist yourself, but you live in or around New York City, you can also benefit from the city’s artistic side by taking dance classes in NYC, photography classes in NYC or by booking paint and sip in NYC.
2. Los Angeles, California
Another one of the best places for artists to live in the world is Los Angeles, California. No matter what your artistic medium may be, Los Angeles has a community for you to be a part of, from film to television, visual art, music and more. There are also loads of hidden gems in Los Angeles for artists to explore.
You can take pottery classes in Los Angeles, photography classes in Los Angeles, work towards starring in your own sitcom or even chase your passion for photography in the City of Angels, one of the best cities for artists.
3. Chicago, Illinois
Which city is most artistic? While New York and L.A. might be the most obvious large American cities for artists, Chicago also has a vibrant art scene.
You’ll find a wide variety of galleries, some of which are artist-run and allow you the chance to meet the artists behind the works. While you’re visiting or planning your move, try photography classes in Chicago or paint and sip in Chicago to get your creative juices flowing!
4. Houston, Texas
Houston also makes the list of best cities for artists, mainly because of its recent revival and expansion of their Museum of Fine Arts. Even if you aren’t planning to make a move to Houston, it’s worth a three-day weekend to explore paint and sip in Houston, photography classes in Houston, pottery classes in Houston and other art events.
5. London, England
If you’re looking to take your artistic talents a little farther afield, consider London, one of the best cities for artists in the world. London is home to excellent museums and galleries.
If you’re worried that things in the U.K. might be too old-fashioned for your tastes, don’t forget to check out South London and the Tate Modern museum.
6. Paris, France
No list of the best cities for artists would be complete without Paris. This is perhaps one of the best cities for artists in Europe, a fact that should surprise no one!
Its abundance of museums, fashion history and classical art makes it a mecca for creative people all over the world. And it’s only a short train ride from most of Europe, making Paris one of the best cities for artists in one of the best countries for artists!
7. Barcelona, Spain
One of the best cities for artists in Europe is Barcelona, Spain. This Spanish city is home to breathtaking architecture and the Picasso Museum — two things that can serve as excellent inspiration for any artist. Living in or visiting Barcelona could really help you learn how to find your art style.
8. Atlanta, Georgia
It might seem counterintuitive to include Atlanta on a list of best cities for artists, but this growing Southeastern city is home to great music and is a new hub for the film industry.
Some would argue that the opportunities in America make it the best country for artists, and Atlanta is certainly one of the most creative cities in the U.S. Let your own artistic lens fly with photography classes in Atlanta.
9. Miami, Florida
What is the best state for artists? Your first thought might not be Florida, but this tropical paradise is home to Miami, a city full of art. Take in the Wynwood Walls to see murals painted by different Miami artists, take a few photography classes in Miami to see it from a different angle and maybe consider moving to this Floridian paradise!
Best Mid-size Cities for Artists
10. San Francisco, California
If you’re looking for a city in California that’s not as large as L.A. but still has everything California has to offer, why not consider San Francisco? You can take art classes by the Bay, photography classes in San Francisco or try dance classes in the Bay Area. San Francisco really is one of the best cities for artists in the U.S.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Another one of the best cities for artists is Boston. This historical hub has plenty of inspiration for new and experienced artists alike, with contemporary galleries or the Gardner museum, which was the site of a famous heist.
If solving cold cases or checking out modern art isn’t your thing, try taking pottery classes in Boston, where you can practice pottery making and wheel throwing with the pros. Or give photography classes in Boston a try to really capture the essence of the city.
12. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas can be more than just a fun bachelorette party destination. This desert oasis is one of the best cities for artists. The neat thing about Vegas is that most of the art is from emerging artists, making it a place to discover real, raw talent.
For those who are looking to explore other media, try expressing yourself through your body by taking dance classes in Las Vegas, like belly dancing, salsa or hip hop.
13. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is one of the best cities for emerging artists, especially of the musical variety. You can find singers and songwriters on almost every street in Music City, and if you’re hoping to get discovered as a musician, there’s really no better place to be!
14. Omaha, Nebraska
Surprisingly, one of the best places for artists to live in the world is Omaha, Nebraska. This midwestern city is home to some hidden artistic gems, like performing arts centers, unique murals and galleries. Its mid-range size and central geographic location make it a great option for artists in different media.
15. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has been a site of inspiration for many artists like Ansel Adams, and its beautiful landscapes make it one of the best cities for painters and photographers. No matter what paint mediums you use, or if you prefer pour painting or using traditional brushstrokes, Tucson is a great place to explore your options. See the city from a different angle with fun photography classes in Tucson.
16. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is home to great galleries and outdoor performance spaces, and is a great addition to this list of best cities for artists. You’ll love the scenery in South Dakota, and your artistic talents will bloom in this unique city.
Best Small Cities for Artists
17. Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a smaller city to call home, try Asheville North Carolina, one of the best cities for emerging artists. Nestled in the mountains, Asheville is a great place to find local galleries full of mountain views, or you can take inspiration from the beautiful Biltmore Estate nearby.
18. Bloomington, Illinois
Another one of the best small cities for artists is Bloomington, Illinois, which offers a bustling art scene given its small size. You’ll find intimate galleries and a whole square devoted to museums in the downtown area.
19. Bend, Oregon
Between the Deschutes River and the Cascade Mountains, Bend Oregon is a notoriously beautiful city, which makes it one of the best cities for painters.
Your landscapes will take on new life in this beautiful but manageable city. If you aren’t ready to make the move full-time, a trip to Bend would be a beautiful vacation for yourself or as a gift for artists.
20. Charlottesville, Virginia
This small city isn’t lacking any of the opportunities of the bigger cities on the list. Charlottesville is one of the best cities for artists, with ballet, opera and plenty of other fine arts experiences for both emerging and experienced artists. You’ll love the small-city feel while still gaining big-city experience.
21. Napa, California
The Napa Valley is for more than just wine! Napa is one of the best cities for artists, with unique galleries featuring textiles, jewelry and more. Of course you can sample the offerings at the wineries scattered all over the Valley, but don’t count Napa out as a hub for creatives from all walks of life.
22. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Most people wouldn’t think of Cedar Rapids as one of the best cities in Iowa, but this small city hosts a surprisingly diverse art scene, with Bohemian and Czech influences that will be a great source of inspiration for painters, sculptors and other artists.
23. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, a port city with a close-knit art community, is possibly one of the most creative cities in the U.S. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in the beautiful landscapes, and no matter what your artistic talent, there is a gallery or group of fellow artists waiting in Portland to welcome you.
We hope this list of 23 best cities for artists has given you some creative ideas for your next vacation or move! From large cities like New York and Chicago, to surprising small cities like Cedar Rapids or Charlottseville, the best cities for artists don’t have to look alike.
No matter which city you pick, remember that fostering an artistic community where you live is not only beneficial to you, but it helps the cultural development in your area.
For even more fun travel ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!”
