The best US cities for immigrants combine legal support, welcoming local policies, job opportunities and an established community. This guide compares Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, New Jersey and New York for people moving from Singapore. The US Census Bureau counted 46.2 million foreign-born residents in 2022, or 13.9% of the population.
Moving to the USA from Singapore requires the right immigration status. A green card is one route, and others exist, so check official US sources for the one that fits your situation.
Whether this is a long-term plan or a fresh opportunity, the five places below are a useful starting point.
What makes the best US cities for immigrants?
The best US cities for immigrants offer legal support, local policies that include newcomers, routes into work and an established community. Rankings weigh these differently, so decide what matters most to your household first: a job, schools, safety or community. The sections below describe five places that stand out for newcomers, with Census Bureau figures where available.
| Place in this guide | State | State foreign-born share (Census Bureau, 2018 to 2022) | What the guide highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, San Jose | California | 26.5%, highest in the country | Legal support, civic participation, removing economic barriers |
| New Jersey | New Jersey | 23.2% | Immigrants account for nearly all working-age population growth |
| New York | New York | 22.6% | Legal services, mental health treatment, citizenship information |
| Chicago | Illinois | Not among the four highest states | Policies aimed at empowering migrants and promoting inclusion |
- Legal support: access to advice on immigration and citizenship.
- Civic participation: routes to vote, volunteer or work in public service.
- Economic inclusion: fewer barriers to jobs, business and finance.
- Community: an established population from many backgrounds.
Is Chicago one of the best US cities for immigrants?
Chicago’s local government has adopted policies aimed at empowering migrants and promoting inclusion, which is why it features on this list. It suits people who want a professional job or to start a business in a large Midwestern city. Verify current local policies and job sectors for your profession before you decide.
Immigrants are supported in Chicago by its policies, making it a great place to live and work.
Is San Francisco a welcoming city for immigrants?
San Francisco is one of California’s most populous cities and has built a reputation for legal support for its migrant community and for encouraging civic participation, including voting and public service. It is a high-profile choice for newcomers. Compare housing costs and check current local policies before you commit to a move.
Why is San Jose one of the best US cities for immigrants?
San Jose works to remove economic barriers that hold migrants back, giving newcomers financial empowerment and equal access to opportunities. The Census Bureau’s QuickFacts shows 42.0% of residents were foreign-born in 2020 to 2024, so newcomers join a large, established community. That makes it a practical option for people arriving without local contacts.
Migrants, who make up about 42% of San Jose’s population, have gained financial empowerment and equal access to opportunities.
Is New Jersey a good state for immigrants?
New Jersey is a state rather than a city, but it belongs here because immigrants account for nearly all growth in its working-age population, according to New American Economy research cited in the original guide. The Census Bureau puts its foreign-born share at 23.2% for 2018 to 2022, second only to California.
While many native-born New Jerseyans have departed the state in recent years, immigrants have come, worked, and contributed to the state’s progress.
Is New York a good place to move to from Singapore?
New York offers a very diverse population and a city government that treats supporting migrants as a priority. Immigrants have access to legal services, mental health treatment and citizenship information. The state’s foreign-born share was 22.6% for 2018 to 2022. Compare housing and commuting costs carefully before choosing New York City.
New York attracts newcomers from all over the world. The city has put in place robust measures to help migrants, led by a government that considers it a priority to provide them with equal chances.
What do Singaporeans need to know before moving to the USA?
Immigration status comes first. Which visa or green card applies depends on your circumstances, such as employment, family or study, and the rules change. Check the official US sources before you resign, sell a home or book a shipment. A mover can ship your belongings, but it cannot grant you the right to live or work in the USA.
A green card is one route to living in the USA, and others exist depending on whether you are moving for work, family or study. Read the official guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and ask the US embassy in Singapore if you are unsure. Start this step first, because your start date, your housing search and your shipment all depend on it. Rules change, so confirm before you act (checked October 2026).
How do you choose between US cities when moving from Singapore?
Start with your work, then your household. Check which cities hire in your field, what housing costs against your income, and where schools, healthcare and community support fit your family. Visit a shortlist if you can. The checklist below helps you compare cities on the same points before you make a final decision.
- Which cities hire in your field, and what do those roles pay compared with local housing costs?
- What legal and settlement support does the city offer to newcomers?
- Is there an established community you can connect with when you arrive?
- Where are schools and healthcare relative to the neighbourhoods you can afford?
- How do you get around, and can you manage without a car?
- How long will your visa or permit last, and what is your longer-term plan?
How do you ship your belongings from Singapore to the USA?
Decide what to ship, sell or store, then ask for a written quote and a survey of your belongings. CM Relocation can pack, transport and account for every item you bring. Customs rules for household goods differ by status and change over time, so confirm them in writing with US customs before you ship.
Once your status is clear, plan the shipment early. CM Relocation can help you move, pack, transport and account for every item you want to bring. Read about groupage shipping if you are moving a smaller load, ask about moving insurance, and see our international moving services. If your new home is not ready, our storage services can hold items in the meantime.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best US cities for immigrants?
Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, New Jersey and New York are the places highlighted in this guide, because of their local support for migrants and strong communities. The best choice depends on your work, family and budget. Compare job markets and housing costs for your profession before you decide.
How many immigrants live in the United States?
The US Census Bureau reported 46.2 million foreign-born residents in 2022, which was 13.9% of the population and up from 40.0 million in 2010. Its QuickFacts tool shows 14.1% for 2020 to 2024. Check census.gov for the most recent estimate, as the figures are updated regularly.
Which US state has the highest share of immigrants?
California had the highest foreign-born share in the Census Bureau’s 2018 to 2022 five-year estimates at 26.5%, followed by New Jersey at 23.2%, New York at 22.6% and Florida at 21.1%. Share of population is different from total numbers, so check which measure matters for your move.
Do Singaporeans need a green card to live in the USA?
To live and work in the USA you need the immigration status that matches your circumstances, such as an employment, family or study route, and a green card is one option among several. Rules change, so check US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US embassy in Singapore before making plans.
Is San Jose a good city for immigrants?
San Jose is promoted in this guide for removing economic barriers that hold migrants back and for giving newcomers equal access to opportunities. The Census Bureau shows 42.0% of residents were foreign-born in 2020 to 2024, so many newcomers share your experience. Compare housing costs before you decide.
Is New York a good city for people moving from Singapore?
New York offers a diverse population and a city government that prioritises supporting migrants, including access to legal services, mental health treatment and citizenship information. Costs and commuting are major factors, so compare housing carefully. CM Relocation can quote for shipping your belongings once you have chosen your area.
How do I choose between the best US cities for immigrants?
Compare cities on the same points: job market in your field, housing cost against income, schools and healthcare, local support for newcomers and community. Shortlist two or three, then visit if you can. The checklist in this guide lists the questions to ask before you commit to a move.
How do I ship household goods from Singapore to the USA?
Request a written quote and a survey from an international mover. CM Relocation can pack, transport and account for the items you bring. Customs rules for household goods depend on your status and change over time, so ask for written confirmation of the documents US customs requires before you ship.
Moving to the USA from Singapore is simpler with experienced packers and movers. Request a quote from CM Relocation to start planning your move.
