St. Louis is a multicultural city, with the fastest growing foreign born population in the nation

The American Dream is still firmly in reach here in St. Louis," says Arrey Obenson, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis.

As Obenson explains, the region offers myriad factors that make it a welcoming city for newcomers. The cost of living is affordable compared to other parts of the United States. It's a relatively short drive to nearly anywhere in the metro area. And with its access to public parks and museums, it's a great place to raise a family. "The community has always come together to provide the basic needs that put people on a path to success," Obenson says.

In fact, the metro area saw the highest year-over-year percentage increase in its foreign-born population-a 23.2 percent rise-among the largest cities in the U.S. from 2022-2023, according to Census data. The metro area's Latino/Hispanic and Black populations grew as well. "Our City's strength is in our diversity and the communities that we create when we open our arms to New Americans," said Mayor Tishaura Jones.

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