Quick Summary
- Largest Indian populations: New York/New Jersey, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Washington DC suburbs (Maryland/Virginia).
- Indian Americans in the US (2024): Approximately 4.4 million people of Indian origin, making it the largest Asian-American group by income and among the largest by population.
- Best way to connect on campus: Join your university's Indian Students Association (ISA or IASA) on the first week. They run orientations, Diwali events, and informal housing/roommate networks.
- Online communities to join: Join reddit threads like r/Indians, r/f1visa, r/IndiaToUSA, city-specific WhatsApp or Facebook groups for Indians (e.g. 'Indians in Boston', 'Indians in Austin').
- Cultural organisations: Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Indian consulate/embassy community events, Hindu temple associations.
- Ask your ISA for a 'buddy' program. Most ISAs pair incoming students with seniors who have been in the US for 1 to 2 years.
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Cities With the Largest Indian Communities in the USA
University Indian Student Associations (ISA/IASA)
Every major US university has an Indian Students Association (often called ISA, IASA, or the South Asian Student Association). These organisations are your most valuable community resource in the first year. They provide:
- Orientation sessions for new arrivals covering housing, banking, driving, and campus navigation
- Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and other cultural celebrations that help with homesickness
- Housing and roommate networks help many Indian students find apartments through ISA connections before even arriving
- Food networks like potlucks, tiffin sharing, and cooking group arrangements, especially useful in the first weeks
- Look for Indian senior students and alumni networks for internship and job referrals
To find your university's ISA: search your university name + 'Indian Students Association' on Google or Facebook. Most ISAs have active Instagram and WhatsApp groups for incoming students.
Online Communities for Indians in the USA
- r/IndiaToUSA (Reddit): The most active community for Indians moving to or living in the US. Covers housing, banking, credit, visas, and day-to-day life. Real experiences, peer advice.
- r/f1visa (Reddit): Specifically for F-1 student visa holders. Covers OPT, CPT, STEM extension, and post-study work questions.
- r/ABCDesis (Reddit): For American-born or long-settled Indian Americans. More cultural and social in nature.
- Facebook Groups: Search 'Indians in [your city]' for city-specific housing, resale, and community groups. 'Indians in Boston', 'Telugu in Bay Area', 'Gujarati Association Chicago' are typical formats.
Temple and Religious Communities
Hindu temples in major US cities serve as community centers that go well beyond religious practice. They organize cultural events, language classes, community meals (prasad), and newcomer orientation for Indian families.
The BAPS Swaminarayan network, for example, has over 300 centers in the US and offers substantial community support for Gujarati and broader Indian communities. Most temples also have notice boards or WhatsApp groups for housing, rides, and jobs.
For more on finding your footing after arrival, see: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to the USA. For financial setup: Financial Checklist Before Moving to the USA. For best Indian food: Best Indian Restaurants in the USA
FAQs
Where do most Indians live in the USA?
The largest Indian-American populations are concentrated in the New York/New Jersey area, San Francisco Bay Area (Silicon Valley), Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and the Washington DC suburbs (Northern Virginia and Maryland). The tech corridor in the Bay Area has the highest density of South Asian professionals in the country.
How do I find other Indian students at my university?
Search for your university's Indian Students Association (ISA or IASA) on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. Most active ISAs post in Facebook groups during the summer before fall semester starts. You can also check your university's registered student organizations directory.
Are there Indian grocery stores across the USA?
In major metros, yes. Patel Brothers has 80+ locations across the country. In smaller college towns, Asian grocery stores often carry Indian pantry staples. Amazon also delivers most shelf-stable Indian grocery items across all US zip codes.
