The U.S. has 310 medium-sized cities with populations of at least 100,000 residents. From cool, northern metropolises like Washington, DC, to humid, historical spots like New Orleans, there is a city to suit everyone. But not all of them are worth a visit – here are 17 U.S. cities we don’t recommend.
Detroit, Michigan
If you’re looking for polished, modernized urban perfection, Detroit is likely to disappoint. Despite a thriving art scene and a revitalized downtown area, the majority of the town is worn-down and potentially unsafe, with a high crime rate and large numbers of abandoned buildings. If we were being polite, we’d describe it as ‘gritty’ at best.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is often considered the birthplace of Country music and is full of history and life. Yet Statista warns that it has the highest rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people of any other U.S. city – almost 2500! If the lure of Beale Street or Graceland is too much and you still plan on visiting, be cautious and stick to busy, well-lit tourist areas, especially at night.
Phoenix, Arizona
Unless you like being baked like a cake in an oven, we don’t recommend Phoenix in the summer. The heat can be brutal from May to October, reaching well over 100°F during the three hottest months of the year, a record of 128°F! While the naturally rugged desert landscape may seem perfect for hiking or biking, consider the oppressive heat before you book a trip.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the only part of the city that is safe and pretty enough to attract visitors, with plenty of overpriced shops and restaurants. Poverty, drugs, and violent crime are all significant problems in the questionably nicknamed ‘Charm City,’ and many neighborhoods are in desperate need of renovation, with many deserted buildings.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Once a thriving casino resort, Atlantic City’s glitz and glamor have long since faded as the popularity of physical casinos has slowly waned. Online alternatives have taken much of their revenue instead. Today, Atlantic City looks and feels dilapidated, with well-worn facades and faded attractions. If you’re seeking luxury or well-maintained surroundings, you should look elsewhere.
Hialeah, Florida
Florida’s sixth largest city is a Cuban-American hub of Latin culture located in Miami-Dade County. However, the Miami New Times labels it as the worst city in the state for recreation and writes, “Hialeah seems to rank abysmally low on almost every metric.” You won’t find many English speakers either, so it’s one to avoid unless you speak Spanish.
Stockton, California
Stockton struggles with high rates of gang violence, gun crime, and property damage, and its streets often look worn down and unmaintained. Recent revitalization efforts have done little to change the overall atmosphere of decay, and there are limited options for relaxation or leisure. If you do visit, be sure to take care at night – travel in groups and don’t leave valuables on show.
Laredo, Texas
The English/Spanish language barrier can also prove problematic in Laredo, Texas, which sits directly on the U.S. – Mexico border. The city isn’t geared toward tourism and caters mainly to business travelers due to its proximity to Mexico’s industrial centers. Leisure travelers will find limited sightseeing options and a lack of attractions, landmarks, and restaurants.
Gary, Indiana
Poor Gary gets a bad rap, that’s for sure! Despite being the ninth biggest city in Indiana, it’s a declining industrial town that has long since boomed and is now firmly in the ‘bust’ phase. Urban decay has set in, and there are many abandoned, dilapidated buildings, with very few tourist attractions. While prices are cheap, consider the downsides of high crime and not much to do.
Oakland, California
The main problems with Oakland as a tourist destination are the widespread poverty and the tragically high rate of homelessness. The Guardian says that, as of 2002, over 5000 homeless people were living there, an increase of 131% since 2015. This leads to crimes such as theft and property damage, and the area is not recommended for tourists, especially at night.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport has a violent crime rate way above the national average, and even streetwise locals are at risk from gun crime, mugging, and assault. It can be dangerous for tourists who are unfamiliar with the city and its neighborhoods, particularly after the sun goes down. The warm, humid climate also makes the city prone to clouds of biting mosquitoes!
Wichita, Kansas
This Midwestern city on the Wichita River lacks the variety of attractions and entertainment options found in larger metropolitan areas. Travelers after plenty to do will find the city underwhelming. They may also dislike the windy weather and consistently high violent crime rates.
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Located North of the infamous Las Vegas strip, this lesser-known city has budget-friendly casinos but fails to live up to the big lights of the main town. The area is often described as run-down and lacks the same level of attractions and entertainment options as the South. If you’re seeking well-maintained luxury and non-stop entertainment, pay a bit more for the real deal.
Salt Lake City, Utah
This lakeside city offers some stunning wetland and mountain scenery, but the social scene and local customs may be too restrictive for many tourists, particularly those wanting to party! The SLC Tribune reports that almost 50% of the population is Mormon (the Church of the Latter Day Saints), so there are restrictive liquor laws and a potentially oppressive atmosphere.
El Paso, Texas
El Paso borders Mexico and has some wild desert landscapes and historical sites, but it isn’t your typical tourist destination. Property crime is common, while there is little tourist infrastructure, especially when compared to other Texan cities like Houston. There is not much to do here besides a few wilderness trails, which are uncomfortably hot outside of winter.
Aurora, Illinois
This suburb of Chicago lacks the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby Windy City and has little to offer tourists besides affordable hotels and chain restaurants. There are very few cultural attractions, historical landmarks, or sightseeing tours – in fact, Aurora is really just a convenient commuter city rather than an exciting location in its own right.
Tampa, Florida
Tourists come for the theme parks and their exciting rides and rollercoasters, like Busch Gardens. Unfortunately, the local people have a reputation for being rude and aggressive, and poor customer service is a common complaint. The driving style is also described as inpatient, bordering on dangerous.
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