Some cities in the United States may be less desirable to visit than others, due to crime rates, infrastructure, and cleanliness. Recently on an online platform, Americans have shared their views on the worst big cities in the USA and why they believe so.
1. Jackson, Mississippi
According to a wanderer, Jackson, Mississippi, is the worst city in the USA. They said this is due to the astonishingly high murder rate and crumbling infrastructure. The city’s population, which is roughly 160,000, has been battling poverty and crime for years and has been called one of the deadliest cities in the US. Many residents have expressed concerns about the lack of resources and opportunities available in the city.
2. Shreveport, Louisiana
The next city, that some residents deemed even worse than Jackson, is Shreveport, Louisiana. The commenters cited high crime rates as the main culprit for their opinions. Shreveport’s murder rate is more than three times the national average in 2022, according to a new report.
3. Stockton, California
Several Americans boldly proclaimed that Stockton, California, is the most abominable big city in the United States. One local cited the crime rates and the number of homeless as the main reasons to avoid the city. Others also mentioned this was the home of the “Speed Freak Killer”.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Some Americans consider Baltimore to be one of the worst cities in the country due to a combination of challenges the city faces, often highlighted in media and public discourse. Baltimore frequently ranks high on national crime statistics, particularly for violent crimes such as homicide. One local stated ,when asked what the worst city is, “Baltimore. One example; while driving, every stoplight seems to require an interaction with two young entrepreneurs spraying raw sewage onto your windshield with a spray bottle and then aggressively demanding money to wipe it off.”
5. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles was another popular answer among Americans when asked what the worst big city in the country is. The traffic was one of the main gripes. LA consistently ranks among the cities with the worst traffic in the U.S., with long commute times and severe rush-hour congestion. Plus, the overall cost of living, including utilities, food, and entertainment, is significantly higher than the national average. And the city has a large homeless population, one of the highest in the U.S., driven by housing shortages and affordability issues. Encampments in certain areas have become a visible and contentious issue.
6. Camden, New Jersey
According to a world traveler, Camden, New Jersey, is the most dreadful city in the United States. They recounted a terrifying incident while passing through the area on their way to a concert. While waiting at a red light, a police officer suggested they run red lights in the city and not stop. Upon turning the corner, they saw groups of people waiting for cars to stop, which made them feel uneasy. This experience led the wayfarer to believe that Camden was a dangerous place. Several other commenters voiced similar experiences in the city.
7. East St. Louis, Illinois
Several adventurers stated that the worst big city in America is East St. Louis. One individual stated, “East St Louis is the only city I’ve been in where a cop told me to run every stop sign until I got back to the interstate.” With a population of around 20,000 individuals, East St. Louis has a history of high crime rates, poverty, and economic downturns.
8. Bakersfield, California
When asked about America’s most unpleasant big cities many Americans stated Bakersfield. One adventurer stated it is “Nothing but meth and strip malls.” Others mentioned the poor air quality and high crime rates as reasons to avoid Bakersfield.
9. Fresno, California
Fresno was frequently mentioned as one of the worst cities, in conjunction with Bakersfield. One commenter said, “Bakersfield: the gateway to Fresno.” Another American, when asked what the worst city in the U.S. is, stated, “Bakersfield or Fresno, pretty sure the devil has part-time vacation homes in both of them.” Fresno has struggled with crime, particularly property crime and violent crime rates which are often higher than the national average.
10. Gary, Indiana
One American said, “It’s the only place I’ve been with barbed wire on the rooftops of fast food restaurants.” Other commenters said law enforcement encouraged them not to stop at the stop signs in Gary city limits, due to safety issues. It has consistently been dubbed one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
11. Miami, Florida
Several Americans stated Miami is one of the worst cities in the country. One commenter, who grew up in the city, said, “A lot of death and violence happened in our hood. Terrible memories. I lost my dad to that city.” Others expressed their dislike of the hot, humid year-round weather and hurricanes.
12. New Orleans
One traveler deemed New Orleans the worst large city in the USA due to the potential danger lurking around every corner. Taking a few wrong turns outside of the main tourist areas can lead to a wild and scary situation. While the city is a popular tourist destination known for its lively music and culture, it also has a reputation for high crime rates and poverty.
13. Charleston, West Virginia
Another American deemed Charleston as one of the worst US cities. They claimed Charleston “is a dead zone with a struggling infrastructure and an economy that can’t keep itself afloat.” They also mentioned a severe homeless problem.
Source: Reddit
12 of the Most Underrated Cities in the United Stats You Can’t Afford to Miss
Fellow wanderers have spilled the beans on some of the best-kept secrets in the country, and we’re inviting you to come along for the ride! So, fasten your seatbelts, grab a map, and venture off the beaten path to uncover some truly magical and underrated gems together!
Read more: 12 of the Most Underrated U.S. Cities You Can’t Afford to Miss
12 of the Most Beautiful Cities in the United States According to Americans
From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the charming streets of Savannah, beauty can be found in various forms across the United States. But which city takes the title of the most beautiful? Recently, people shared their opinions on the most beautiful city in the US on an online platform.
Read more: 12 of the Most Beautiful Cities in the United States According to Americans
12 of the Prettiest Small Towns in the United States According to Americans
Are you exhausted from the fast-paced lifestyle of a big city? Well, it’s time to ditch the traffic jams and skyscrapers and head to the land of small-town charm! Recently, some Americans have shared their picks for the prettiest small towns in America. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for a trip filled with culture, history, and more charm than you can shake a stick at.
Read more: 12 of the Prettiest Small Towns in the United States According to Americans
10 of the Worst States To Visit According to Americans
Many Americans have traveled across the country and have opinions on which state is the worst to visit. Some states have been deemed less desirable than others, whether it’s due to a lack of attractions or cultural diversity, high cost of living, or just an overall creepy vibe.
Read more: 10 of the Worst U.S. States To Visit According to Americans
22 Amazing Things to Do in Florida That Aren’t Disney
Most tourists see the Sunshine State as the Disney capital of the world but those who know how to navigate this charming state can attest that it’s more than just its man-made attractions.
Read more: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Florida That Aren’t Disney
