Tattoo Hotspots: The Best and Worst Cities for Ink in 2024
Tattoo culture is booming across the United States, but not all cities are created equal when it comes to getting top-notch ink. Whether you’re looking for the best tattoo artists in the country or hoping to avoid a regrettable experience, we’ve got you covered. We analyzed nearly 29,000 tattoo shops based on their Google review scores to bring you the definitive list of the best and worst places to get tattooed in 2024.
Top 10 Tattoo Shops in the U.S.
These shops are the gold standard in the tattoo industry. They’ve earned stellar reputations with their exceptional artistry and customer service. If you’re serious about your ink, these are the places you need to check out:
- Ranger Tattoo & Piercing – Mesa, AZ | 4.93
- My Ink Tattoos – Miami, FL | 4.92
- Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing – San Diego, CA | 4.89
- Tattoo Maze – San Antonio, TX | 4.88
- Inkaholik Tattoos – Miami, FL | 4.88
- Hyper Inkers Tattoo Studio – San Antonio, TX | 4.88
- INKAHOLIK TATTOOS – Miami, FL | 4.87
- Evolved Body Art – Columbus, OH | 4.87
- Golden Tarot Ink Club – Winter Park, FL | 4.87
- Inkaholik Tattoos Kendall – Miami, FL | 4.86
These shops consistently deliver some of the best tattoos in the nation. But what about the cities where they’re located? Let’s dive into the hotspots—and the places you might want to avoid.
For those who want to explore further, we’ve compiled a sortable table that ranks the top 1,000 tattoo shops across the U.S. This interactive list allows you to sort the data by shop name, city, or weighted review score, helping you discover the standout shops in your area or identify where the best tattoo experiences are found nationwide.
Top 5 Cities for Tattoo Shops (with at least 10 shops)
These cities are absolute hotspots for ink lovers. If you’re looking for a city where you can be sure to find top-tier tattoo artists, these are your best bets:
Pigeon Forge, TN – 3.68
You wouldn’t expect this charming Smoky Mountain town to lead the pack, but Pigeon Forge has quietly become a haven for serious tattoo enthusiasts. With a mix of traditional and modern styles, this city is a hidden gem for ink.Port Charlotte, FL – 3.50
Laid-back vibes and high-quality work make Port Charlotte a top choice for those looking to get inked in Florida.Myrtle Beach, SC – 3.42
Sure, it’s a tourist destination, but Myrtle Beach is also home to some of the best tattoo artists on the East Coast. If you’re hitting the beach, you might as well get some new ink to go with that tan.Boca Raton, FL – 3.32
Known for its upscale lifestyle, Boca Raton’s tattoo scene doesn’t disappoint. The shops here are all about precision and satisfaction.Conway, AR – 3.24
Arkansas may not be the first place that comes to mind for tattoos, but Conway’s artists are making a name for themselves with their top-notch skills and creativity.
Worst 5 Cities for Tattoo Shops (with at least 10 shops)
Not every city is a tattoo paradise. These cities have struggled to impress, and the reviews show it. If you’re planning to get inked, you might want to think twice before booking an appointment in these spots:
Hartford, CT – 1.25
Connecticut’s capital is rich in history but poor in tattoo quality. The low scores suggest it might be worth taking a trip elsewhere for your next piece.Richland, WA – 1.23
Despite its growing popularity, Richland’s tattoo scene hasn’t kept up. The reviews here are mixed at best.Waipahu, HI – 1.23
This Hawaiian city may be full of culture, but its tattoo shops are failing to impress. If you’re on vacation, it might be better to enjoy the beaches instead.San Pedro, CA – 1.13
Nestled in Los Angeles, San Pedro is better known for its coastal views than its tattoo shops. The low scores suggest the quality isn’t up to par with LA’s high standards.Warwick, RI – 1.03
Warwick rounds out the list as the city with the lowest-rated tattoo shops. If you’re in Rhode Island, it might be worth checking out nearby Providence instead.
Top 5 States for Tattoo Shops
Some states have nailed the tattoo game, boasting high averages across their shops. These are the states where you can expect top-quality ink almost anywhere you go:
- South Carolina (SC) – 2.71
- New Jersey (NJ) – 2.56
- Georgia (GA) – 2.52
- Virginia (VA) – 2.51
- Florida (FL) – 2.48
Top 5 States for Tattoo Shops
Some states have nailed the tattoo game, boasting high averages across their shops. These are the states where you can expect top-quality ink almost anywhere you go:
- South Carolina (SC) – 2.71
- New Jersey (NJ) – 2.56
- Georgia (GA) – 2.52
- Virginia (VA) – 2.51
- Florida (FL) – 2.48
Methodology
Data Collection: We analyzed nearly 29,000 tattoo shops across the U.S., focusing on their Google review scores.
Scoring: We used a weighted scoring system that accounts for both the number of reviews and the average rating to ensure fair comparisons.
Criteria for Rankings: Cities were included only if they had at least 10 tattoo shops, ensuring the rankings reflect a broader range of customer experiences. States were ranked based on the average scores of shops within their jurisdiction.
Verification: All data was cross-referenced to ensure accuracy, with outliers removed to maintain the integrity of the rankings.
Make Your Next Tattoo a Masterpiece
Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal experience, and where you choose to get inked can make all the difference. Whether you’re in one of the top cities or states we’ve highlighted—or even if you’re in one of the lower-ranked spots—it’s essential to ensure that your tattoo experience is the best it can be.
Why not take it a step further? Use our AI tattoo generator to create unique tattoo concepts tailored to your style. Once you’ve designed the perfect piece, take it to your favorite shop and work with your artist to bring the idea to life. Collaborating with a skilled artist ensures that your tattoo isn’t just another piece of art—it’s the perfect ink for you.
Ready to start your tattoo journey? Let your creativity flow with our AI tattoo generator and make sure your next tattoo is a masterpiece you’ll love forever.
