Skip to main content

Where to thrift: the top U.S. cities for secondhand finds

You're sure to score some deals in these cities.

Thrift shop
kasjanf / Pixabay

If you love the thrill of hunting for unique treasures and scoring budget-friendly deals, this news is for you. A new study by CouponFollow has revealed the best U.S. cities for thrift shopping, spotlighting places where variety, affordability, and quality secondhand items reign supreme.

Thrifting isn’t just a hobby, it’s also a major money-saver. According to the study, the average American saves $2,000 a year by shopping secondhand. Whether you’re curious to see if your city made the list or planning your next travel adventure around thrift store stops, these destinations are worth exploring.

Recommended Videos

The best cities in America for thrifting

Secondhand sign
PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

When it comes to thrifting, New York City takes the crown as the best city for secondhand shopping in 2024. With 178 thrift stores offering everything from trendy vintage finds to budget-friendly essentials, it’s a paradise for savvy shoppers. Close on NYC’s heels is Newark, NJ, boasting an impressive 137 thrift stores, making it another top destination for secondhand enthusiasts.

If affordability is your main goal, look no further than Long Beach and Irvine, CA, which top the list for the most budget-friendly thrift stores. Meanwhile, New Orleans stands out for quality, with 27 highly rated shops boasting 4.5 stars or higher.

The full list

Thrift shop
Pexels / Pixabay

Here’s the full list of the best U.S. cities for thrifting.

  1. New York, New York
  2. Newark, New Jersey
  3. Los Angeles, California
  4. Long Beach, California
  5. Oakland, California
  6. Arlington, Texas
  7. Irvine, California
  8. Jersey City, New Jersey
  9. San Bernardino, California
  10. Chicago, Illinois
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
This gorgeous Greek island was just named Europe’s most underrated
Lesbos is Europe's most underrated island
Lesbos Greece

If you’re dreaming of an island escape without the crushing crowds or eye-watering prices, one Greek gem is calling your name. A new study by car rental company Avis analyzed search volumes and Instagram hashtags for Europe’s most popular island destinations, then identified quieter, equally incredible alternatives.

The top spot? Lesbos, Greece’s third-largest island, perched near Türkiye in the Aegean Sea. Famous as the birthplace of ancient poet Sappho and for its signature ouzo, Lesbos offers a true taste of authentic Greek life. The capital, Mytilene, is busy year-round with waterfront nightlife, traditional markets along Ermou Street, and historic treasures like the Castle of Mytilene and the Church of Agios Therapon. The hilltop town of Molyvos takes you back in time with Venetian castles, cobblestone lanes, and sweeping sea views.

Read more
Micro-cations are the new vacation — here’s where to go for a 3-night escape
Top micro-cation spots for travelers in all parts of the U.S.
Atlanta

A new travel trend is taking off: micro-cations. Per the 2025 Vacation Confidence Index, released by Allianz Partners USA, data indicates that micro-cations are not a passing phase but a mainstream option for American travelers. Micro-cations offer the chance for travelers to recharge without the time or cost of full-length vacations.
As micro-cations gain steam as a 2025 travel trend, more travelers are finding these tiny vacations allow them to enjoy quick escapes without a commitment to longer stays. But where should you go on a micro-cation? Below, Connor Smith, Vice President, Masterbrand Strategy + Brand Awareness of IHG Hotels & Resorts, shares his insight on the micro-cation trend and where U.S. travelers should consider going on them.

What is a micro-cation?

Read more
A new luxury retreat just opened in the Smokies — and it’s stunning
A luxury hideaway 4,000 feet above sea level
Elk & Embers

Perched 4,000 feet above sea level and spread across 108 pristine acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Elk & Embers is the region’s newest luxury escape, and it’s already turning heads. Officially opened in April 2025, the intimate retreat pairs mountain vistas with rustic elegance, all within a short scenic drive of Asheville, Cataloochee Valley, and popular landmarks like the Biltmore Estate.

The vision of longtime friends Susan McLean and Kristina McLean, Elk & Embers is rooted in decades of shared exploration in these mountains. “Elk & Embers is our way of sharing the stillness, wonder, and quiet luxury we’ve found in these mountains – every detail is a love letter to this land,” said Susan. “We created this space so guests could slow down, reconnect, and feel something real – because the mountains have a way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you needed,” Kristina added.

Read more