Each city has its own character, but some just have to be unpleasant for one reason or another. Some of the reasons may be subjective, but they do lend some merit on how outsiders see these cities. If you’re a local in any of these places, we’ll be glad to be proven otherwise.
Here are ten disagreeable cities in the U.S. today and not without a reason.
1. Most polluted city: Bakersfield, CA
Residents might have been surprised to see their city topping the Time’s list of most polluted cities in America last year. But they sure won’t disagree the city has a serious smog problem. Over 60,000 locals are reported to have asthma, no small thanks to poor air quality. But if misery loves company, Bakersfield is joined by five other California cities among the top five most polluted cities, including Los Angeles, Modesto, and Merced. Way to go Californians.
2. Most crime-ridden city: East St. Louis, IL
You have a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to a crime in this city. Based on Federal Bureau of Investigation reports, East St. Louis has the highest crime rate last year at 117 persons per 1,000 residents. Violent incidents include forcible rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
3. Most expensive city: Honolulu, HI
AAA lists Honolulu as the most expensive city in the U.S. for tourists based on its survey of more than 60,000 restaurants and lodgings in North America. Prepare to pay for nearly $550 per night in the city and meals at $127 per plate. And that’s excluding surf time and more rounds of piñacolada.
4. Rudest city: New York City, NY
If Travel + Leisure is to be believed, NYC is the rudest. Maybe it’s a stereotype or media bias that this city is regularly projected to have an “attitude.” Or are locals just too busy rushing for work to greet visitors? The city may appear a little snotty, but it’s this flamboyant attitude that draws visitors to get a taste of the city that never sleeps.
5. Dirtiest city: Fresno-Madera, CA
The Golden State doesn’t appear like its name, not with its city topping the list of dirtiest cities in the country. Groundwater pollution from agriculture and particle pollution make living in Fresno a little dirtier than in any other U.S. city. The American Lung Association also ranked the city area fourth for having high ozone days, when you’re most exposed to harmful UV rays.
6. City with worst drug problem: Missoula, MO
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration ranked this small city of 67,000 people with the highest rate of dangerous drugs use last year. Nearly 14% of households were found to have some involvement in illicit drugs, with 50% of cases involving methamphetamine. The findings clearly show that drug trafficking is not just a big city problem.
7. Most sinful city: Las Vegas, NV
We’re not surprised. So were the Aussies. The website news.com.au ranked the American city as the fourth most sinful city in the world having a strong presence of peddled sex, gambling, drugs, and wild nights. Far from being apologetic for its “sins,” the city in fact sells them with wanton glee and visitors just keep on pouring in. It will remain the most sinful U.S. city for the longest time. Wanna bet?
8. City with worst traffic: Los Angeles, CA
The city earned the top spot of U.S. cities with the worst traffic based on the most recent traffic scorecard by INRIX, a traffic information service agency. The average driver wasted about half an hour on traffic during peak hours compared in other cities. In fact, the city hosts four of the most heavily congested corridors in the country, including an eight-mile stretch in Interstate 405.
9. Most boring city: Chula Vista, CA
We know it’s subjective, but based on media exposure analysis by Forbes.com, the city midway between San Diego and Tijuana rarely made news, much less headlines. Likewise, it’s a long drive to excitement if you take a look at Chula Vista’s top attractions in TripAdvisor.com: laser tag, really? The Auld golf course in the area also looks more of a desert with little life expected out of it. Harsh, but maybe the locals like it that way without outsiders stirring them up.
10. Ugliest city: Washington, D.C.
The city was voted to have the least stylish and unfriendly people by readers of Travel + Leisure. We can’t vouch for the veracity of facts, but being a city with the most national and local politicians around, the readers may be into something here.
We agree—many of the reasons for being unpleasant here are subjective. But collectively, these random reasons do merit a second look if only to get some ideas how visitors see these cities and, hopefully, locals can prove them wrong.
What factors make a city less livable beyond its immediate reputation?
While cities can be judged based on crime rates, pollution, or cost of living, there are several other factors that can significantly affect livability but are often overlooked:
- Healthcare Accessibility: A city’s access to quality healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and mental health resources, plays a crucial role in residents’ well-being. Long wait times, limited access to specialists, or high healthcare costs can make a city difficult to live in, especially for families and elderly populations.
- Public Transportation: Efficient and affordable public transportation is essential for reducing traffic congestion and improving accessibility. Cities lacking a robust public transport system can lead to increased car dependency, longer commutes, and a lower overall quality of life for those who can’t afford private transportation.
- Green Spaces: The availability of parks, recreational areas, and open green spaces has a significant impact on mental and physical health. Cities with limited access to nature can feel stifling, especially for residents seeking outdoor activities or a connection to the environment.
- Economic Opportunities: A thriving job market is crucial for a city’s growth and livability. Cities with few economic opportunities, high unemployment rates, or limited career paths may struggle to retain residents and attract new talent.
These elements are essential for long-term sustainability and can make a city more or less appealing to both residents and visitors.
Key Insights
- Pollution Concerns: Bakersfield, CA, is recognized as the most polluted city, affecting the health of over 60,000 residents with asthma.
- High Crime Rates: East St. Louis, IL, has the highest crime rate in the country, making it a city with significant safety concerns.
- Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI, is noted as the most expensive city for tourists, with high accommodation and meal costs.
- Rudeness Perception: New York City, NY, is often perceived as the rudest city, possibly due to its fast-paced lifestyle and media portrayal.
- Environmental Issues: Fresno-Madera, CA, is identified as the dirtiest city due to groundwater and particle pollution.
- Drug Problems: Missoula, MO, faces serious drug issues, particularly with methamphetamine, affecting a significant portion of its population.
- Sinful Reputation: Las Vegas, NV, maintains its reputation as the most sinful city with prevalent gambling, drugs, and nightlife.
- Traffic Congestion: Los Angeles, CA, suffers from the worst traffic in the country, with significant time wasted in congestion.
- Lack of Excitement: Chula Vista, CA, is considered the most boring city due to its lack of notable attractions and media presence.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Washington, D.C., is labeled the ugliest city, possibly due to the perception of its residents’ style and friendliness.
FAQ
- Why is Bakersfield, CA, considered the most polluted city? Bakersfield, CA, is considered the most polluted city due to severe smog issues and poor air quality, which have led to high asthma rates among its residents.
- What makes East St. Louis, IL, the most crime-ridden city? East St. Louis, IL, has the highest crime rate in the country, with significant incidents of violent crimes such as rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
- Why is Honolulu, HI, the most expensive city for tourists? Honolulu, HI, is the most expensive city for tourists due to high costs of accommodation and dining, with nightly rates and meal prices significantly higher than in other cities.
- What contributes to New York City’s reputation as the rudest city? New York City is often perceived as the rudest city due to its fast-paced lifestyle, media portrayal, and the busy nature of its residents, which might come off as unwelcoming to visitors.
- Why is Fresno-Madera, CA, labeled the dirtiest city? Fresno-Madera, CA, is labeled the dirtiest city due to significant groundwater pollution from agriculture and high levels of particle pollution, which contribute to poor environmental quality.
- What are the main drug issues in Missoula, MO? Missoula, MO, faces serious drug issues, particularly with methamphetamine. Nearly 14% of households are involved with illicit drugs, highlighting a significant public health concern.
- Why is Las Vegas, NV, known as the most sinful city? Las Vegas, NV, is known as the most sinful city due to its vibrant gambling, nightlife, drugs, and adult entertainment industries, which attract visitors seeking indulgence.
- What causes Los Angeles, CA, to have the worst traffic? Los Angeles, CA, has the worst traffic in the country due to heavy congestion during peak hours and the presence of multiple heavily congested corridors, such as Interstate 405.
- Why is Chula Vista, CA, considered the most boring city? Chula Vista, CA, is considered the most boring city due to its lack of notable attractions, minimal media presence, and limited exciting activities compared to nearby cities.
- What factors contribute to Washington, D.C., being labeled the ugliest city? Washington, D.C., is labeled the ugliest city due to perceptions of its residents’ style and friendliness, as well as the city’s association with politics, which may influence visitors’ views.
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