COMBO member Jenn Cleary wrote that she was interviewed for this article! Take a look and watch the video! | From the gritty indie scene of NYC to Nashville’s diverse and deeply rooted musical heritage, hundreds of cities across the country are home to successful and aspiring musicians.
But what are the best cities for musicians in 2025? Insurance Canopy analyzed data from the 50 most populous metropolitan areas to find the best places for musicians to launch and grow their careers. (Learn more about how we did it in our Methodology section at the bottom of the page.)
Discover the best places to book gigs, build an audience, and earn more money doing what you love in 2025!
Table of Contents:
Key Findings
Rankings Table: The Best Cities for Musicians
In-Depth Look at the Top Cities for Musicians
1. Nashville, TN
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. New Orleans, LA
5. Hartford, CT
6. Cincinnati, OH
7. Cleveland, OH
8. Virginia Beach, VA
9. Portland, OR
10. San Francisco, CA
Ask a Musician: What Makes a City a Great Place for Gigs?
More Factors Musicians Should Tune Into
Methodology and Sources
https://www.insurancecanopy.com/best-cities-for-musicians