Best Cities in the U.S. for Billboard Advertising

Billboard advertising is all about location. Some cities offer unmatched visibility and floods of crowds, while others have tumbleweeds rolling. The most impactful and high-performing billboard campaigns originate in large, well-known, and touristy cities. The bigger the population and tourist industry, the more guaranteed views a given campaign will receive.

Even the best creative billboard designs and campaigns won’t deliver the right results if it’s not placed in the right market. Whether you want to appeal to local audiences or the entire nation, choosing the right city can determine your visibility, engagement, and ROI. Before spilling the beans on the best cities in the U.S., let’s cover some background.

What Makes a City Good for Billboard Advertising?

The key factors that make a city optimal for billboard advertising are:

• High vehicle and pedestrian traffic
• Heavy tourism and travel audience
• Various OOH media options (static, digital, transit, etc.)
• Strong media relevance and cultural interest

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to dive into how these factors come together in some of the best cities in the U.S. for billboard advertising.

1) New York, NY

This city offers some of the most high-traffic and famed placements in the world. With millions of residents, commuters, and tourists passing through daily, your brand can earn instant success. Whether it’s a bright digital placement in Times Square or a well-placed kiosk in JFK airport, a given message has the ability to reach a worldwide audience and earn a huge ROI.

2) Los Angeles, CA

On par with New York, LA features countless drivers and viewers from the road. Brands and companies can reach a wide demographic from placement on routes like Sunset Boulevard and the 405 Freeway. Along with reaching audiences from all over California, nearby states, and even globally due to the mass appeal of the city, celebrities are also bound to see your ads—the opportunities are limitless.

3) Chicago, IL

Chicago is the heart of the midwest and offers strong urban traffic, commuters, and tourists. With key locations in The Loop and along popular interstate routes, advertisers are able to target wealthy professionals, vacation-oriented tourists, and everyday local demographics. Transit ads are particularly effective here due to the city’s extensive public transportation system.

4) Atlanta, GA

This city is one of the best for a variety of reasons—from its Southern appeal, active tourist life, and vast highway systems, one advantage particularly stands out: Hartsfield-Jackson airport. This is the busiest airport in the world, with over 108 million travelers passing through annually. A single placement at this location would generate unprecedented success.

5) Miami, FL

Miami is one of those cities that has an undeniable appeal, making it a prime location for billboard and OOH advertising. From its intense warmth, vibrant nightlife, and enjoyable Latin-American culture, Miami offers brands to reach both localized and global audiences. From targeting tourists who are in a vacation-oriented mindset to ready-to-spend locals, Miami offers unbeatable advertising opportunities.

Final Thoughts

OOH is most effective when you combine the right message with the right market and audience. Know your goals and pick a city that closely aligns with being able to reach them. Our five most optimal cities offer a mix of exposure, cultural relevance, and a diverse audience to help you get the most out of your billboard campaign. Pick one, and your message will be guaranteed success.