15 American Cities That Are Best Left Unexplored
The cities in America tell unique stories. Did you know that murder and property crime rates are some of the factors that determine how safe a location is to explore?
Some cities’ reputations suggest they are best avoided due to crime, economic decline, or crumbling infrastructure. Here is a closer look at 15 cities often labeled as “best left unexplored,” with details on why they have earned that label.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is infamous for high violent crime rates. Parts of St. Louis have a reputation for being dangerous; the city’s homicide rate has often topped national lists.
However, St. Louis is historically significant, as represented by the Gateway Arch, which was built to illustrate the heroic spirit of the people who overcame the pitfalls of life in the 19th century. The Arch is a piece of art.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s image has been linked to economic collapse. The city is deteriorating, promoting illegal activities, and despite the efforts to revive it, the crime rates are alarming.
Despite once bustling, Detroit is now characterized by abandoned factories and empty houses. Sadly, high crime has marred parts of the city, like the East Side and Highland Park. Detroit is on a re-inventing journey, and it has revitalized public spaces, a vibrant music scene, and cultural centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Baltimore, Maryland
Prevalent battles over poverty and violent crime characterize the West Side of the city. There are also open-air drug markets and decaying row houses in some parts of the city.”
These tragic acts of violence – which are still too common in the city – are only possible because of the continued ease of access to guns on our streets,” said the city’s mayor when releasing a statement after a mass shooting. However, Baltimore also has a world-class Inner Harbor and quirky neighborhoods like Hampden.
Oakland, California
Violent crime, especially in places like East Oakland, has given Oakland its notoriety. Also, with the alarming homelessness, the city can feel uncomfortable in some parts after dark. The City of Oakland’s official website writes that the rising economic inequality has contributed to homelessness doubling in the last 10 years.
Yet, beyond these challenges, Atlanta is a creative and simply the most cultural city. It offers waterfront fun at Jack London Square and music venues that display the city’s vibrant soul.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis often makes headlines for its high poverty rate and crime. Visitors worry about car thefts and property crimes.
Memphis has its perks, too. It is the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. You can’t go home without walking along Beale Street and hearing live music at its best. Don’t forget the city’s legendary barbecue ribs, which are worth the trip.
Cleveland, Ohio
The east side neighborhoods of Cleveland have suffered decades of disinvestment. Many areas have vacant homes and high crime rates. In 2022, an analysis by MoneyGeek ranked Cleveland, Ohio, the 7th most dangerous city in the US. These struggles contributed to the unflattering nickname, “The Mistake on the Lake.”
Cleveland is a vibrant destination for music and food lovers. It has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, sports venues, and the famous West Side Market.
Newark, New Jersey
Visitors are scared off by Newark’s industrial aesthetics, traffic gridlock, and criminal reputation in parts like South Broad Street. Despite the heightened crime rates over the years, the city is undergoing a rebirth.
Newark provides a genuine cultural experience and is home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, an acclaimed US performing arts center.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Economic challenges and urban decay afflict Shreveport, particularly in neighborhoods like Queensborough, which are affected by poverty and crime. Infrastructure struggles contribute to the city’s failing water system.
Yet there’s plenty of heart in Shreveport. This city is on the Red River, and its scenic trails offer a touch of nature and richness that Mother Nature has to offer.
Birmingham, Alabama
Ensley, a Birmingham neighborhood like many others that has battled blight and crime for years, is familiar with the city’s challenges. The city has an industrial history, meaning some areas feel somewhat gritty or dated.
Birmingham, nevertheless, is a hub for Civil Rights history. With all the trendy restaurants and chic craft breweries, there is no time to be bored, and the revitalized downtown offers an emotional and educational journey at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Stockton, California
Stockton has had its battle with bankruptcy, rising crime, and homelessness. With some neglected neighborhoods, it might feel unsafe to explore some areas considering the alarming crime reports.
While the city isn’t for everybody, it offers renowned cultural escapes such as the Haggin Museum and a pretty waterfront.
Gary, Indiana
After the steel industry collapsed, Gary’s economic collapse left the city with empty streets, abandoned buildings, and high crime. In some neighborhoods, there’s a real sense of it being more of a ghost town than a place where people live.
However, Gary is historically significant because it is where Michael Jackson was born. It’s a pilgrimage site for music fans and those who love stunning lakeside scenery; it neighbors the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Camden, New Jersey
Camden’s poverty and crime problems in neighborhoods like Whitman Park have given the city a reputation as a poster child of urban decay. “31.6% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Camden, NJ (22k out of 69.7k people) live below the poverty line. This number is higher than the national average of 12.5%.”
Regardless, there’s so much to see in Camden, such as the Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship, the New Jersey Museum, and the sights of Philadelphia across the river.
Flint, Michigan
Economic struggles have left crime and many neighborhoods with abandoned homes bearing the shadow of Flint’s water crisis.
Flint’s cultural scene shines. The Flint Institute of Arts has a vast collection, and the local farmers’ markets and festivals help unite the community.
Compton, California
For years, Compton’s reputation for gang violence and crime – especially along key places like Rosecrans Avenue – has far outshone any positive possibilities.
Nonetheless, Compton is called the cradle of hip-hop legends, and the city has welcomed community revitalization projects, from urban gardens to local art initiatives.
Little Rock, Arkansas
In the last few years, violent crime in Little Rock has gone up, and some of the city’s neighborhoods are not safe for visitors. According to US News, “The metropolitan area’s violent crime rate was higher than the national rate in 2022.”
On the other hand, the Clinton Presidential Library and the River Market District offer a mix of education and entertainment, not to mention impeccable food choices.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information
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