Although many Cuban immigrants coming to the U.S. settle in Miami, it is by no means the only destination for those looking for work and a better standard of living. In this blog, we’ll explore the other cities that are popular with Cuban immigrants in the U.S. and where you can find thriving Cuban communities.
Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
According to Statista, the Cuban population settled in the U.S. in 2021 numbered around 2.4 million1. Of these around 1.5 million live in Florida and more than 400,000 live in just four other states, Texas, California, New Jersey and New York. The remaining 20% live in other areas of the U.S.
Where are the biggest Cuban communities in the U.S.?
Outside of Florida, the biggest Cuban communities center around large cities, as you might expect. These communities have created a thriving Cuban culture with music venues, eateries, sports and museums all paying homage to the Caribbean island.
Houston, TX
Houston, Texas is home to a thriving Cuban community where immigrants can find traditional Cuban grocery stores for Cuban inspired products. There are many restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars to enjoy where you can experience traditional Cuban food and drinks such as café Cubanos, fried stuffed yuca, ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato and wine), Cuban-style bistec (steak), Cuban Creole picadillo and lechón asado en púa (roast pork). You can also experience traditional Cuban music while you eat.
Houston is home to cultural festivals celebrating Cuban heritage and boasts several cultural organizations promoting Cuba including Casa Cuba.
Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, California, there are many wonderful Cuban restaurants where the Cuban community can come together for a taste of home. According to Birch Restaurant’s guide, Los Angeles is fast becoming one of the top places for Cuban dining outside Florida. Whether you are after a traditional Cuban coffee, the best Cuban sandwich (Cubano) in the world at El Cochinito, or a classic Cuban Mojito, there are plenty of great eateries to try out.
Louisville, KY
A lesser-known destination for Cubans immigrating to the U.S. is Louisville, Kentucky. Incredibly nearly 8% of Kentucky’s population born outside the U.S. come from Cuba, the third biggest diaspora behind India and Mexico. In Louisville, Cuban culture is apparent in the many bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores that cater to the Cuban population and those who want to try out delicious pastries and traditional dishes such as roasted pork or shredded beef.
New York City, NY
Unsurprisingly, Cubans also migrate to New York City, one of the country’s most culturally diverse cities. The Cuban culture is well established with a wide variety of sports, music, and other arts available to watch or participate in. The New York Latin Culture Magazine and the Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York are great resources for learning what’s on where.
West New York and Union City, NJ
Finally, New Jersey is a popular destination for Cuban immigrants settling in the U.S. Union City is one of the locations in Hudson County, nicknamed “Havana on the Hudson,” that has attracted a sizeable Cuban population as well as other immigrants from Latin America. Both West New York and Union City boast many restaurants and other eateries celebrating the cultural heritage of Cuba, ranging from simple café style restaurants offering Cubanos to more upmarket restaurants with views of the Manhattan skyline.
Making Money Transfers to Cuba from the U.S.
As some U.S. restrictions on sending money to Cuba have now been lifted, Western Union is resuming our money transfer service, online, through our app and from a limited number of Agent locations in Miami. There are rules to know before you transfer money to Cuba.
To register with Western Union, you will need to provide your contact details and payment information. Payees based in Cuba will require a MLC account or bank account at one of three authorized Cuban banks as well as their national ID card in order to receive transfers.
Getting help to make money transfers is easy – just visit the Help Center on our website.
