If you are thinking of relocating to a new city or planning a vacation, there are certain cities that you may want to avoid. We take a look at the 10 worst cities to avoid in the U.S.
Camden, New Jersey
Camden has one of the highest crime rates in the US, and tourists are not advised to hang around the local roads in case there are high incidents of car hijacking. It seems that residents cannot relax even in their own homes as they have a 1 in 25 chance of being burgled. Once known for its many restaurants and bars along Kings Highway and tourist attractions along the harbor, it is no longer a desirable place for retiring seniors.
Stockton, California
Home to the oldest university in California, the Haggin Museum features fine art and lots of walks at Oak Grove Regional Park, Stockton could be tempting for those who are nearing retirement. However, the area is suffering from a decline in economic stability which has led to high crime rates and a problematic homelessness situation. With a 1 in 30 chance of you being a victim of crime, it may be a place to leave off of your list of possible places to retire.
Bakersfield, California
Another once-popular retirement city in California is Bakersfield but, similar to Stockton, it has recently ensured a spate of high crime levels. Due to people struggling with the cost of living, car and house crime is prominent in the area, and there has been a huge rise in gang-related crimes. It seems that many people who have lived in Bakersfield for years are hoping to move out of the area, which means it is not very attractive for newcomers.
East St. Louis, Illinois
Once an attractive area of St. Clair County, Illinois, East St. Louis is now a problematic crime hub with broken neighborhoods, high levels of burglary, and car crimes. Drugs are a huge issue in the area, making it one of the less desirable retirement spots, especially as the local government has appeared to give up on repairs and controlling the chaos that happens on the streets.
Houston, Texas
Houston is a popular area in terms of art, culture, restaurants, bars, and galleries, and there are lots of outdoor activities for retirees, but all is not what it seems. Like a lot of U.S. cities, there is a rising crime rate, but in Houston, some neighborhoods have gone into deep decline, which may be off-putting. Another factor to consider when moving to Houston is the very hot weather and the penchant for dive bars and lots of loud music!
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is the vibrant capital of Mississippi, with lots of cultural attractions, including art and music events. House prices are affordable, and there are outdoor activities and great places to eat. That said, there is double the national rate of crime, with murder and assault being worryingly high. With a high rate of poverty added to the fact that living conditions are hot and humid, it is not the most comfortable place for people to relocate to when they retire.
Binghamton, New York
Known for the Zoo and Discovery Center, Binghamton celebrates lots of green space, which is great for people who are retired. However, it has recently been referred to as a ghost town as residents have moved away from a now-neglected city. The area has one of the highest crime rates in the country, and some neighborhoods are consumed by poverty.
Miami, Florida
Florida is not all sunshine and fun; it can get very hot and experiences a lot of hurricanes. Added to this issue of weather is the fact that the area attracts a lot of tourists all year round, so it can get busy, which may not be for you if you enjoy a quieter life. In the quieter neighborhoods, away from tourists, there are high crime rates, particularly Downtown and Northern Miami.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has very high rates of crime and drug use, with some areas classed as “no go”. While many locals are proud of their city and are doing their best to fight poverty and drug abuse, it may not be the perfect city to retire to. Despite the affordable real estate and a good transport network, there is a lot of work to be done in Baltimore if it wants to attract retiring seniors.
Charleston, West Virginia
The once-bustling Charleston is sadly lacking when it comes to being desirable for those looking to retire to a new city. The city has one of the highest crime rates in the country, and while it is renowned for having tight-knit communities, it does not lend to a relaxing retirement.
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