Gypsies by State / Romani by State 2025

Rom

Gypsies are often lumped into one large category, but they are nomadic people that have descended from different countries and cultures. The Rom is one such gypsy group that arrived in the United States from countries such as Serbia, Austria, and Russia near the end of the 19th century. Up until the first and second World Wars, there was a massive influx of immigration from south and east Europe with the promise of riches in the United States and building a community around shared values.

Gypsy groups also create traditions around their passed-down skills, which include coppersmithing, and smiting in general. Subsects of the Rom offer their services in the United States to repair and maintain certain industrial equipment in laundromats, bakeries, and other related businesses that need maintenance and specialized work. A subset of the Rom, often incorrectly called “Russian Gypsies” are found in large amounts in the suburbs of New York and New York City.

Ludar

The Ludar is a group of gypsies that have been nicknamed the “Romanian Gypsies” who came to the United States during the same period: the late 19th century up until the start of the first world war. Although they are nicknamed the “Romanian Gypsies”, many of the Ludar that immigrated to the United States came from the country of Bosnia, specifically the northern part of that nation. The Ludar specialize as animal trainers and people that work in show businesses, often having a flashy appearance and demeanor towards them. They were originally great for circus acts and maintain this same tradition to this day. Now, they have adopted a more modern approach and it is not uncommon for them to create music videos and songs in English and their native tongue.

The Ludar originally immigrated to New York as well during the initial period, and have kept their communities close. Since then, many have migrated over to Chicago - which sports a hefty Ludar population.

Romnichels

The Romnichels are a group of “English Gypsies” that came over from England in the mid-19th century. As such, they have established a much more dominant foothold when compared to other sections of the Gypsy population. Originally, the Romnichels worked as horse traders, who came to America at a time when horse ranching and trading were in high demand. After the decline in the need for horses after the first and second World World Wars, they switched to their secondary specialty, which was basket-weaving and making.

Romnichels are known for the traditional “fortune-telling” stereotype, and often engage in the sale of rustic furniture and having small antique stores with paranormal paraphernalia. The Romnichel group can be most commonly seen in America, as they have also intertwined themselves in society. Most gypsy groups are nomadic and much prefer to stay within their closer-knit communities and family groups. Romnichels had settled in the southern states and southwest region initially, as the demand for horses was greater because of the increased farmland.