Exploring a new city is just unbeatable. Whether checking out excellent restaurants, enjoying the nightlife, or admiring the architecture – it’s a top priority for most travelers. But here’s the thing: not all cities are worth visiting! We looked at the worst cities to see in the United States.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a paradise for tourists seeking revelry and good times, a city essential for every traveler. Yet, once you and your friends take that initial stroll down Bourbon Street, it’s prudent to wrap up the night. Straying beyond the tourist hub poses risks of mugging, harassment, or worse. According to Statista, New Orleans ranks among the world’s most violent cities, underscoring the importance of vigilance and caution beyond the popular areas.
St. Louis, Missouri
Even though, as a general rule, the city of St. Louis is considered safe, the region identified as East St. Louis undeniably lives up to its notorious and dangerous reputation. It’s a place where potential violence and even the specter of death loom, a grim reality that persists even in broad daylight.
Provo, Utah
Utah boasts an abundance of awe-inspiring scenery, making it particularly surprising to discover that many individuals are reluctant to visit. Numerous travelers express dissatisfaction, contending that the state offers limited activities despite the captivating beauty. In the case of Provo, the term “boring” frequently surfaces, creating an unappealing aura. The general sentiment resonates – no one desires to explore a town lacking excitement and engagement.
El Paso, Texas
Numerous cities lack imagination, architecture, and passion, with El Paso being the most conspicuous example. The town appears devoid of charm, characterized by many strip malls and truck stops.
Stockton, California
Boasting a crime rate of 41 per one thousand residents, Stockton, California, stands out with one of the highest crime rates in America across communities of all sizes. This encompasses everything, from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. The statistics paint a sobering picture, indicating that one’s likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Stockton is a notable one in 24.
Mobile, Alabama
In Mobile, Alabama, my encounters have revealed a community with some of the rudest, unkind, and bad-mannered individuals I’ve ever encountered. Curiously, this behavior often hides behind the veil of ‘Southern hospitality,’ creating a paradox that may catch visitors off guard.
San Francisco, California
Despite its picturesque landscape and compelling history, San Francisco confronts a growing challenge with an expanding homeless population. Regrettably, the city’s allure is overshadowed by a notable presence of vagrants, leaving many first-time visitors astonished. While the city pledges to combat this issue, the nationwide crisis of unhoused individuals lacks a straightforward resolution. According to a report by City of San Francisco.Gov, most West Coast jurisdictions witnessed an uptick in total homelessness from 2019 to 2022, with California cities reporting alarming rates of unsheltered homelessness, ranging from 57% to 76% of the total population in 2022.
Memphis, Tennessee
As per a report from World Socialist, Memphis, Tennessee, holds the unfortunate position of being the number one city in the United States for child poverty among larger urban centers. In 2017, an alarming 44.7 percent of children were officially recorded as living in poverty, reflecting an increase from 44.1 percent in 2016. Comparatively, before the Great Recession a decade ago, the city’s child poverty rate was notably lower at 26.7 percent.
Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw, MI, boasts a violent crime rate of 25.1 per 1,000 residents, equating to a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim. Saginaw grapples with crime-related challenges, showcasing fluctuating trends across different areas. Residents navigate daily life by remaining vigilant and actively participating in community initiatives, given the acknowledged odds of being victims at 1 in 39.
Bessemer, Alabama
Bessemer, AL, secures the position as the third most violent city in America. The recorded violent crime rate of 33.1 per 1,000 residents translates to a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim. Over the years, Bessemer has witnessed fluctuating crime rates, prompting ongoing initiatives to enhance safety. Staying vigilant, particularly in specific neighborhoods, is advisable. Living in Bessemer demands awareness and community engagement, as proactive measures contribute to cultivating a safer living environment.
Hollywood, Boulevard
Particularly, Hollywood Boulevard stands out with its poor-quality atmosphere and an overall unappealing scent, contributing to a pervasive sense of disappointment throughout the town. Save for a meal at Musso & Frank, the visit prospect seems lacking. A more rewarding alternative lies in exploring neighborhoods like Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Sawtelle for a more satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s perpetual state of reconstruction appears to span decades. While the downtown zone has undergone a transformative makeover, sentiments sour once the urban center is left behind. Regardless of its condition, a glimmer of positive news emerges from Detroit. As per The New York Times report, after a surge in murders during the pandemic, there was a noteworthy decline in 2023. The nation seems poised for a record reduction in homicides, accompanied by a general downturn in various crime categories, according to the FBI.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle secures a spot among travelers’ top American cities during favorable weather. However, the unembellished statistics reveal a different narrative. With merely 152 sunny days annually, Seattle often subjects visitors to persistent cloud cover and rainfall, challenging the idyllic image associated with this iconic Pacific Northwest town.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
With a substantial crime rate of 9724 per 100,000 people, Atlantic City surpasses the national average by a staggering 318.39%, resulting in one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as doing so is paramount for enhancing the overall safety and desirability of Atlantic City.
Rockford, Illinois
Sporting a crime rate of 41 per 1,000 residents, Rockford stands out with one of the highest crime rates in America across communities of all sizes. This includes everything from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. The statistics reveal a stark reality, indicating that one’s likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Rockford is a notable one in 24.
Birmingham, Alabama
With a recorded violent crime rate of 20.6 per 1,000 residents, Birmingham, Alabama, presents a 1 in 49 chance of being a victim. Birmingham’s crime and safety narrative unfolds against a complex historical backdrop. Over the years, the city has experienced fluctuations in crime rates, mirroring broader societal challenges. Historically, Birmingham gained notoriety for civil rights-related violence and tensions in the mid-20th century. However, recent years have witnessed collaborative efforts from law enforcement and community organizations, contributing to an overall decline in crime rates. While specific neighborhoods grapple with persistent challenges, Birmingham has instituted various initiatives to bolster public safety and foster community engagement.
Gary, Indiana
Gary is tolerable during daylight hours; navigating through is relatively uneventful. However, when night falls, caution becomes paramount. Treating stop signs as rolling stops and avoiding halts altogether is advisable in this rundown town, which has languished for decades since its primary source of income departed. Now home to individuals unable to relocate due to financial constraints and a notable presence of gang members, Gary epitomizes a prevalent narrative of decline in various parts of the United States.
Los Angeles, California
Many tourists are drawn to the city by the radiant lights and classic Hollywood allure unique to Los Angeles. However, the reality often needs to catch up to expectations. Instead of bright lights, there’s urban blight, and the charming Hollywood image is replaced by dilapidated buildings. Compounding the issue is a substantial homeless population, presenting evident challenges for visitors navigating through the city’s neighborhoods.
South Beach, Florida
Miami is teeming with diverse neighborhoods, each presenting unique offerings. However, if the prospect of non-stop partying doesn’t align with your lifestyle, or if you yearn for a serene home environment, it’s prudent to strike South Beach off your list. Boasting an abundance of nightclubs and hotels, the streets surrounding Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue transform into lively scenes, with revelers hopping between bars and nightclubs. The resulting noise and activity persist well into the early morning, even on weekdays, reaching a crescendo during holiday weekends and spring break.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, renowned for its portrayal of violence and corruption in television shows and movies, unsurprisingly earns a spot on this list. Locals unanimously echo the same cautionary advice: avoid walking alone at night. In a correlated update, the sentiment leans toward a collective desire for residents to relocate from the city – a wish expressed with urgency as if they should have moved outside the cityscape yesterday itself.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia unfortunately deters numerous visitors with its elevated crime rate and neglected neighborhoods. The incidence of violent crime in The Keystone State has surged from 3.1 incidents per 1,000 people to 3.9 this year, casting a shadow over the city’s welcoming moniker.