13 Cities in the U.S That Are So Bad You Won’t Want to Visit

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There are many cities worth visiting in the United States, and many of them have unique charm and appeal. However, not every destination is a dream come true. Some never live up to their hype because of high crime rates, poor infrastructure, or a lack of attractions.

This list will take you from run-down urban areas to towns with more headaches than highlights all across the US and might make you rethink your travel plans. Now is the time to explore some of the worst places to visit in the U.S.

Camden, New Jersey

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Known for its sky-high crime rates and economic problems, Camden often tops lists of cities to avoid. Vast amounts of money have been spent to revitalize it, but nevertheless, it retains problems that make it unwelcoming to tourists. The atmosphere is far tenser than inviting, and there’s next to nothing by way of attractions to counter these thoughts.

Gary, Indiana

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Gary was once a booming industrial hub before the steel industry took a hit. Now, it is an economically depressed city with abandoned buildings. Most visitors come to see the history beneath the surface, although they find the city’s current state more depressing than intriguing.

Detroit, Michigan

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Detroit is on the road to recovery; however, it remains a work in progress. The city’s reputation for crime and economic troubles has not entirely disappeared. There are pockets of culture and innovation, but the overall experience is hit or miss — and usually misses for unsuspecting tourists.

Stockton, California

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A high crime rate and economic woes have affected Stockton’s appeal. Many find the city’s issues outshine its picturesque location near the San Joaquin River. For first-timers, the cons often outweigh the pros, and it’s not the easiest place to get to.

St. Louis, Missouri

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St. Louis has its share of famous landmarks, like the Gateway Arch, but it has a reputation for crime and social problems. The gritty side of the city can be off-putting, and many travelers find it hard to relax when exploring. Caution often overshadows curiosity and its destination.

Cleveland, Ohio

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Cleveland is trying to shake off its rough reputation, but it’s been slow going. Safety concerns plague the city, along with a shortage of outstanding attractions. Cleveland often disappoints those who hope for an unforgettable trip, as the other attractions in the area too often overshadow it.

Baltimore, Maryland

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Baltimore is famed for its crime rates and the sad state of urban decay for which it’s infamous, but it is also famous for its history and rich culture. The Inner Harbor is somewhat relieved, but the city is dealing with some major problems outside of it. It’s a troubled city, and many visitors feel the risk is not worth the reward.

Flint, Michigan

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Flint is a city that has struggled economically and suffered from an ongoing water crisis, making it a place few would want to visit for leisure. Residents have it tough, and there is little in the way of tourist attractions to draw you in. It’s a place of hard-to-ignore challenges.

Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Bridgeport is one of the less desirable destinations in the Northeast, where people struggle with crime and economic issues. Bridgeport doesn’t have much to attract tourists, even though it’s close to major cities such as New York. It’s also worth more to pass through than to stop and explore.

Memphis, Tennessee

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Memphis has a musical legacy, but it’s also a crime—and poverty-infested city. Some tourists head to Beale Street and Graceland, but concerns about safety cramp the overall experience. The negatives always seem to outweigh the few positives.

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Birmingham, Alabama

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Birmingham has a rich history but is also a city of crime and economic woe. The city is still working to revitalize it, but visitors find little to attract them there. The history is interesting but the current state isn’t great.

Newark, New Jersey

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Newark, so close to New York City, sounds like a good stop, but the city suffers from crime and urban decay. There are some cultural attractions, but it is a distinctly underwhelming place to visit, and people seem keen to go anyway.

Little Rock, Arkansas

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Crime and disparity in the city’s economy make Little Rock less attractive to tourists. The city has some cultural points of interest but struggles too much to make its charm potential. People often leave wanting more of this place.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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