The Best Cities for Makers & Creatives

For makers and creatives, the world isn’t just seen; it’s felt. From the texture of a perfectly chosen yarn to the scent of fresh paint, every step of the creative process engages our senses. 

The pandemic may have put life on hold for a while, but it also sparked a surge in crafting and hobbying that’s become a way of life for many. That’s why we wanted to find the cities that not only offer access to tools and supplies, but also create an environment that fuels your creative spirit.

We looked at the 200 most populous U.S. cities to find the best places for makers and creatives to flourish. These vibrant hubs offer a wealth of support, from classes and workshops to inspiring businesses and fellow artists. 

No matter where you live, Creative Fabrica can be your one-stop shop for inspiration and resources — but for those looking for a city that truly embraces the maker spirit, here’s a peek at some of the top spots.

Key Takeaways

• Kansas City, KS, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Lakewood, NJ, are the best U.S. cities for makers and creatives per capita.
• Residents in New York, NY, and Phoenix, AZ, have fewer craft businesses per capita to support creative hobbies.
• Cary, NC, St. Petersburg, FL, and Oceanside, CA, are home to the highest rated creative businesses in the U.S.
• Residents in Bellevue, WA, and New Haven, CT, have the most access per capita to classes to learn a new creative hobby or skill in the U.S.
• Residents in Jackson, MS and Knoxville, TN, have the most access to craft stores per capita in the U.S., while residents in Escondido, CA, and Newark, NJ, have the most access to hobby stores per capita in the U.S.

Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Makers & Creatives

While some cities might boast a bright and shiny creative scene, it’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality, too. For makers and creatives, having access to fantastic stores and workshops is just as important as finding a place that fosters a love of learning and exploration. 

Kansas City, KS, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Lakewood, NJ, topped the charts for offering the most creative businesses per capita, even with Lakewood ranking #11 for the quality of its businesses and #3 for the best cities to learn a new creative hobby or skill. Salt Lake City and Hialeah, Florida, also stand out for makers seeking top-notch learning opportunities.

On the other hand, New York, NY, the city that never sleeps, has a wealth of specialized cozy craft and hobby stores, but on a per capita basis, it tops the list as one of the worst for makers and creatives. The same goes for Phoenix, AZ, proving that a city’s size or reputation doesn’t always translate to support for makers and creatives. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned potter looking for a masterclass in glazing techniques or a complete beginner wanting to try your hand at calligraphy, there’s a city out there with the perfect program to spark your creativity — it just might not be in the place you expect. 

U.S. Cities with Booming Creative Businesses

Every creative journey needs a pitstop (or three or four) at a well-stocked craft or hobby store. 

Cities like Jackson, MS, and Knoxville, TN, are havens for crafters, offering a bounty of stores overflowing with everything you need to bring your vision to life. Escondido, CA, and Newark, NJ, take the cake for hobby stores, perfect for those with a passion for model building, crochet, or anything in between. 

But the best cities don’t just offer supplies — they offer inspiration. Imagine strolling down a street lined with art galleries, peeking into pottery studios, or chatting with a friendly local balloon artist. Cary, NC, St. Petersburg, FL, and Oceanside, CA, boast not just a high concentration of creative businesses but also some of the most highly-rated establishments in the country, ranging from the more common and practical to the whimsical and unique. 

For example, if you’re in North Carolina, check out Jonathan Michael Davis LLC, where you can take highly-rated glassblowing classes taught by professional instructors. If you’re near Florida, take a look at Brenda McMahon Art Gallery with a perfect 5-star Google business rating. That’s saying something in the art world, where everyone’s a critic! In California, make sure to stop by San Diego Balloons and More for your balloon artistry fix.

Best U.S. Cities for Learning a New Creative Hobby or Skill

Remember that time everyone became obsessed with sourdough starters and hand-knitted scarves? The pandemic might have had its downsides, but it also reminded us of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful with your own hands. 

Cities like Bellevue, WA, and New Haven, CT, understand this intrinsic human need. Creatives in Bellevue can explore self-expression at art schools, hone their chef skills at cooking classes and culinary schools, or develop their eye for composition at photography schools and classes. 

Similarly, New Haven boasts a vibrant learning scene with art schools and classes in cooking, photography, pottery, and even woodworking, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

But there are places all over the U.S. offering a wealth of classes, from the classic (think painting lessons and photography workshops) to the more unique (like calligraphy lessons and woodworking classes). So, if you’ve ever dreamt of mastering the art of pottery or becoming a fashion designer, there’s a city out there with the perfect program waiting for you.

Unleash Your Creativity Anywhere with Creative Fabrica

The truth is, you don’t have to live in a bustling metropolis to embrace your creative passion. Creative Fabrica believes that everyone can be creative, and we strive to give makers and artists everywhere the tools they need to express themselves. 

That’s why we offer a treasure trove of resources to fuel your next project. Whether you like working with your hands on 3D masterpieces or conjuring them up on your computer screen, we have everything you need to bring your vision to life. 

Subscribe today to find high-quality fonts, images, and templates, explore our innovative AI tools, or delve into a library of tutorials and workshops to expand your skill set. No matter where you live, your creative journey starts here!

Methodology

In this study, we collected Google Business data for the 200 most populous U.S. cities to determine the best places for makers and creatives. We started by building a list of 90 business tags that relate to creative activities, hobbies, and more. We then collected data for the number of businesses with the tag in each city. 

To account for population, we calculated the number of businesses per capita and ranked them from the most to the least. In addition to the overall ranking, we also ranked cities for the highest rated businesses, most craft stores, and most hobby stores. Finally, we totaled the number of businesses that specialize in teaching skills to find the cities with the most access to learning a new creative hobby or skill per capita.