Finding the best cities to thrift in can be tricky. Usually, heading to the shops in wealthier areas works well as they will likely have high-end, barely-worn clothes and even designer labels.
However, if that community is too affluent, people are less likely to donate clothes or go thrifting, meaning there's no need for thrift stores.
You don't have to worry about devising a formula to find the best cities because we've got you covered with these thrifting havens waiting for you and your shopping bag.
1. Boulder, Colorado
Denver has its fair share of decent thrift stores, but Boulder is our pick. This affluent city has high-end brands like Lulu Lemon, Lacoste, and Alo. Most residents are very eco-conscious, meaning they'll donate clothes rather than send them to a landfill whenever possible.
You won't find any Arc or Goodwill stores here. Instead, it's all small thrift boutiques with more curated offerings. You can hop from store to store throughout the area and find hidden treasures. Plus, you get some stunning mountains as the backdrop to your shopping spree.
2. Austin, Texas
Texas is a fantastic place to thrift. Cities like Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston all have decent thrifting scenes. However, Austin takes the cake, in our opinion. It has the right level of affluence, a quirky and eccentric aura, and environmentally conscious residents. And that all adds up to a spectacular collection of thrift stores.
You can get classic Texan clothes and accessories, like cowboy hats, cowboy boots, big-buckled belts, flannel shirts, and classic jeans. However, Austin is youthful, meaning there are many trendy clothes, too.
3. Greenwich Village, NY, New York
When you Google the best thrifting destinations, NYC comes up first. But you probably suspected the Big Apple was a solid spot for secondhand shopping, so we want to be more specific. Manhattan is the best borough to shop in, and specifically Greenwich Village.
You won't find many thrift stores on the Upper East Side, and the Bronx shops aren't likely to have the good stuff. Greenwich Village is the sweet spot. One-of-a-kind band shirts, Manolo Blahnik heels next to Crocs, and borderline-costume clothing are fun items awaiting you in the Village.
4. Seattle, Washington
Seattle has a very special vibe; if you're familiar with it, the city's inclusion on this list makes perfect sense. It's an eclectic place that effortlessly combines modernity with vintage and retro vibes. The thrifting scene emulates this vibe.
A rugged leather jacket à la Nirvana or some perfectly worn-in flannel shirts await you in this seaside spot. The clothes are plentiful and stylish, but don't miss out on the cool accessories at this thrifting destination. Seattle appreciates a good accessory, from pins to earrings to bags to hats.
5. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is at the very tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It has a strong queer culture, and you know that means all the clothes in its thrift stores are fabulous and fun. While Ptown is our recommended thrifting destination, we suggest keeping your eyes open on the drive down the Cape.
Places like Sandwich, Barnstable, Chatham, Wellfleet, and Truro can have secondhand gems, and they're on the way. You're not super likely to score Chanel and Dior on the Cape, but this is the place to be if you love vintage clothes. Find cozy fisherman sweaters, coastal-style dresses, and other charming pieces.
6. Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, Arizona, is a hidden gem and a hotspot for secondhand goodies. This article is mostly about thrifting clothes, but Jerome is also a sensational spot for antiquing and discovering lovely pieces of home decor or furniture. Looking for antique turquoise? Want some good suede clothes? Jerome is the place.
And don't forget about the vintage cowboy boots and hats, which you have to at least try on for
fun. Thrift shopping here goes far beyond thrift stores. There are flea markets galore, where people are practically giving away well-crafted clothes and home goods.
7. Tampa, Florida
We have to shout out Florida as another great thrifting state. Orlando, Miami, Clearwater, Kissimmee, and Fort Lauderdale all offer enticing secondhand stuff. But Tampa is our pick because it falls in the sweet spot between affluent and middle-class. Thrifting in the Sunshine State is particularly fun because the fashion there has a strong identity.
Think bright colors, funky silhouettes, flashy designs, and beachy undertones. The bold styles people donate include a good mix of high-end items. You never know what you'll find, from homemade bedazzled bikini tops to neon stilettos.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Listen up; Philly isn't the only PA city worth visiting. The Pittsburgh thrift scene could be compared to Seattle's, as the secondhand shops aren't inundated with high-end, designer clothes, but the vintage vibes are strong. But you can find things like perfectly worn-in combat boots, retro jean jackets, distinct winter coats, and old T-shirts that are practically historical artifacts.
The area has large secondhand stores, like Arc or Goodwill, and smaller boutique shops. There are no wrong answers, so hit them all and see what Pitt offers.
9. Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is a brilliant destination if you're into sniffing out designer labels. The area is wealthy, and many residents donate clothes. With a keen eye and dedicated spirit, you can find spectacular items that would've cost a fortune when they were new.
Chic dresses, elegant trench coats, glossy Hunter rain boots, and endearing tennis bracelets are a few pieces that capture the Hartford thrifting scene. The style here is refined and classy, so those are the type of clothes you'll find.
10. Buffalo, New York
As mentioned, people love to tote NYC as the ultimate thrifting location, but Buffalo deserves some attention, too! Many people don't realize Buffalo is a massive and bustling city with much to offer visitors.
The secondhand clothes and accessories here are supremely diverse, so you truly never know what could pop up in a thrift store. The fashion typically isn't super edgy in the area, but it's not unheard of for whacky NYC outfits to get donated in Buffalo. Furthermore, Buffalo might not have a ton of designer labels, but you will see top-quality big brand names.
11. Kansas City, Missouri
If you ask us, KC is a criminally underrated city, and its status is that of a thrifting hotspot. It's not some sad Midwestern town with nothing going on; it's a trendy destination with a distinct personality.
Thrift stores offer a mix of styles, from traditional Midwestern wear to edgy looks that scream “fashion-forward.” However, the city's overall fashion vibe feels like elevated athleisure. Think cool, retro sneakers, crisp tracksuits, and voguish sports jerseys. Beyond the clothes, KC is also a marvelous place to get antique and vintage home decor and art.
12. Bluffton, South Carolina
Bluffton is one of the more affluent destinations on our list. This part of South Carolina is endlessly charming, like something out of your favorite southern-set romcom. It's coastal but also southern, combining the charm of the atmosphere and the clothes.
You can have good luck here regarding designer labels and expensive items. Clothes and accessories from brands like Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Patagonia, and Sperry are easy to hunt down. Like Hartford, the fashion here is refined but has a colorful and frilly flair.
13. Riverside, California
Sure, we could talk about LA or San Francisco, and those cities have fantastic thrift scenes, but Riverdale deserves some attention. The secondhand shopping culture here is robust, so you'll find more than just clothes at the thrift stores. But don't worry, there's also no shortage of spectacular garments.
From luxury to casual to sporty, there are not many things you can't find in Riverside. The variety of small boutiques and massive stores make for a diverse and exciting thrifting experience, and you're sure to go home with plenty of good finds.
Go Thrift Your Heart Out
You can go on a trip and buy the touristy keyrings and magnets. Or, you can bring something back that is one-of-a-kind and meaningful. Whether setting out on a thrifting road trip or looking for a souvenir in one of these regions, these places rarely disappoint.
With that, we'll send you on your way to treasure hunting and remind you that thrifting is good for the planet. So keep up the secondhand spirit!
