At ATELIER, our mission has always been to elevate the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce. As innovation becomes increasingly inclusive, companies are asking where they should position themselves to access and retain exceptional, diverse talent—especially in tech.
Whether you’re scaling your team, opening a regional office, or looking to invest in inclusive ecosystems, location matters more than ever. We’ve identified three standout cities where Black and Brown tech professionals are thriving—not just because of the job market, but because of what the city offers beyond the boardroom.
These are our top picks—and why they matter.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
The Black Tech Capital of the South
Atlanta is more than a cultural epicenter—it’s now a rising global tech hub. Known for its civil rights legacy and world-class HBCUs, the city has become a beacon for Black and minority professionals who want to build, innovate, and lead. “Silicon Peach” isn’t just a catchy nickname—it’s an accurate description of Atlanta’s rapid tech transformation.
For families, Atlanta is a strong choice. It offers access to quality schools, community-centered neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions, from Centennial Olympic Park to the Georgia Aquarium. Safety varies by neighborhood, but efforts toward revitalization and investment in community-led initiatives are making an impact.
Financially, Atlanta is a smart move. The median household income sits around $83,000, with tech starting salaries commonly ranging from $70,000–$90,000. Lower housing costs than New York or San Francisco allow young professionals to buy homes earlier and build wealth sustainably.
Culturally, Atlanta is unmatched. It’s a city that breathes creativity—home to musical legends, Black-owned culinary excellence, and global institutions like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Whether it’s Afrotech, A3C, or a local block party in Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta’s energy is expansive and affirming.
Key Tech Employers:
Atlanta is home to Microsoft, Google, Mailchimp (now part of Intuit), Salesforce, BlackRock, Cisco, and NCR Corporation. Tech hubs like Atlanta Tech Village and Switchyards have turned the city into a magnet for Black founders and VC-backed startups. The surrounding region also includes innovation outposts from Amazon, Apple, and Facebook/Meta.
2. Sammamish, Washington
Pacific Prestige Meets Personal Peace
Just a short drive from Seattle, Sammamish is a well-kept secret for tech professionals who want calm surroundings without compromising career access. Known for its elite public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high quality of life, Sammamish is an ideal landing spot for talent looking to combine ambition with balance.
When it comes to safety and family life, Sammamish leads the pack. It’s consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Washington, with top-rated schools, clean infrastructure, and strong civic engagement. It’s the kind of place where tech professionals can plant roots and families can thrive.
Sammamish’s median household income is an impressive $239,000. With its proximity to Seattle and Redmond, it draws high-earning professionals from major tech companies. Entry-level software roles often start above $100,000, and equity packages add even more upside in this high-opportunity region.
Nature is also woven into the lifestyle here. Lake Sammamish, the Cascade Mountains, and nearby hiking trails offer an ideal work-life balance. The city’s multicultural population is growing, and a variety of community events reflect the diversity of its residents.
Key Tech Employers:
Sammamish benefits from its proximity to Redmond and Bellevue—home to Microsoft’s global headquarters, Meta’s regional offices, Google, T-Mobile, Adobe, Oracle, and Salesforce. Many professionals commute to these campuses while enjoying the quieter, suburban life Sammamish offers. The region is also a launchpad for AI and cloud-based startups.
3. Oakland, California
Innovation With Integrity
Oakland has always been a city for changemakers—and today, that includes tech professionals rewriting the rules of the industry. Positioned across the Bay from San Francisco, Oakland offers many of the same career opportunities but with deeper cultural roots, more community engagement, and a growing tech identity of its own.
While safety challenges remain in certain areas, the city is investing heavily in change. Programs like Rise East and grassroots community partnerships are focused on long-term revitalization. Families are drawn to its progressive schools, cultural institutions, and neighborhoods like Laurel and Rockridge that balance vibrancy with calm.
Oakland’s median household income is around $93,000. With its close proximity to Silicon Valley, Oakland residents enjoy access to high-paying tech jobs, with starting salaries in the $80,000–$100,000 range. Remote work flexibility has made the city even more attractive to professionals who want culture without the San Francisco price tag.
Oakland doesn’t just reflect diversity—it lives it. It’s home to Afrocentric bookstores, plant-based soul food, murals that tell ancestral stories, and events like Black Joy Parade and Life is Living Festival. This is a city that doesn’t compromise values for visibility.
Key Tech Employers:
Oakland’s tech presence is growing thanks to companies like Square (Block), Pandora, Kaiser Permanente’s digital innovation division, and numerous Black- and minority-led startups. Nearby San Francisco and Silicon Valley offer access to Google, Apple, Meta, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Uber, Slack, and Airbnb, all within commuting distance or remote partnership.
If your organization is serious about attracting minority tech talent—and not just recruiting but retaining them—you need to be where community and career intersect. Atlanta, Sammamish, and Oakland each offer a different path, but they all lead to the same destination: growth, equity, and innovation.