Loading ...A Tour of Arab American Enclaves Across the U.S.
By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer
Arab Americans are woven into the fabric of the United States, with communities found in nearly every major city. A few neighborhoods, in particular, have especially high concentrations of Arab Americans. These enclaves are rich in culture, featuring Arab restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and other businesses—serving as vital hubs for community support. Arab America contributing writer, Arwa Almasaari, shares videos and stories that take you on a tour through some of the most prominent Arab American enclaves across the country.
Before we begin the tour, I want to express my disappointment at the limited number of videos showcasing these incredible neighborhoods. Someone should start an initiative to document these enclaves—whether through walking tours, interviews, or drone footage. I’ve selected the most relevant videos available, and I hope you find them informative and enjoyable. Please feel free to suggest other videos or enclaves I may have missed.
California
Anaheim – Little Arabia
Anaheim’s “Little Arabia” in Orange County is a cultural and culinary hub. The area is home to numerous Arab restaurants, bakeries, and markets. In 2022, the city officially recognized Little Arabia, marking a major step for Arab American visibility. The official website for Anaheim’s Little Arabia District provides information on local businesses and cultural events: littlearabiadistrict.com.
El Cajon – San Diego Area
El Cajon is home to a large Iraqi and Chaldean population. Many residents arrived as refugees and have built a thriving community filled with Arab grocery stores, schools, and places of worship. While there is no official website representing the enclave, the Majdal Center serves as a vital local hub, supporting Arab immigrants and refugees through advocacy, cultural programming, and community services. Learn more at majdalcenter.org.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area includes a diverse Arab American community with roots in Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, and more. In San Francisco, the Arab Cultural and Community Center promotes Arab heritage and supports the local population through language classes, youth programs, and cultural festivals.
Florida
Orlando
Orlando is home to a growing Arab American community, particularly among Palestinians and Egyptians. Residents are supported by the Arab American Community Center of Florida, which offers social services, language classes, and cultural events.
Tampa
Tampa’s Arab American population is steadily expanding. The city has seen a rise in new Arab-owned businesses, restaurants, and community spaces. Like in Orlando, the local Arab community is supported by the Arab American Community Center of Florida, which provides vital resources and programs.
Illinois
Bridgeview – “Little Palestine”
Bridgeview, just outside Chicago, is known as “Little Palestine.” The neighborhood features mosques, cultural centers, restaurants, and markets, reflecting the strong Palestinian identity of its residents. The area around Harlem Avenue and 87th Street is especially vibrant. Learn more at visitlittlepalestine.com.
Michigan
Dearborn
Dearborn is widely recognized as the heart of Arab America. The city is home to large Lebanese, Yemeni, Iraqi, and Palestinian communities. It also hosts institutions such as ACCESS and the Arab American National Museum, both located on Michigan Avenue. These organizations play a key role in preserving Arab heritage and supporting the local community.
New Jersey
Paterson – “Little Ramallah”
South Paterson, often referred to as “Little Ramallah,” is known for its vibrant Palestinian American community. Main Street is lined with Arab restaurants, markets, and businesses. The neighborhood is home to the largest Palestinian enclave in the U.S. and ranks as the second-largest Arab American community after Dearborn. More info is available on the city’s official page.
New York
Brooklyn – Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge is a historic Arab American neighborhood in New York City. It’s home to large Yemeni, Palestinian, and Egyptian communities. Arabic is heard in the streets, and the neighborhood includes many Arab-owned shops, bakeries, and cafés. Organizations like the Arab American Association of New York and the Arab-American Family Support Center serve the community through advocacy and support programs.
Manhattan – “Little Syria”
“Little Syria” was a historic Arab enclave in Lower Manhattan. Though the area has since been redeveloped, its legacy remains. In the early 20th century, this area was home to immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Today, historians and cultural institutions continue to preserve this heritage. The New York Public Library offers archives and resources on the history of Little Syria.
These Arab American enclaves are more than just places to live—they’re living cultural centers. Together, they tell a broader story of Arab American life in the United States. From the food of Little Arabia to the stories of Little Syria, each place brings a unique piece of the Arab world to the American landscape.
Arwa Almasaari is a scholar, writer, and editor with a Ph.D. in English, specializing in Arab American studies. She often writes about inspirational figures, children’s literature, and celebrating diversity. You can contact her at arwa_phd@outlook.com
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