Some cities fail to deliver the quality of life that residents seek in the search for the perfect place to call home. Whether it’s high crime rates, unaffordable housing, or a lack of amenities, these cities have gained a reputation for being less desirable.
We have researched various online forums and datasets, including a ListWithClever survey to curate a list of the 12 least desirable American cities to live in.
Washington, D.C.
While the nation’s capital is a center of political power, it’s also considered one of the least desirable places to live in. Washington, D.C. is notorious for its sky-high cost of living, with rent prices averaging around $2,531 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. D.C. also scores low on value and quality of life. Residents face long commutes and a high crime rate, with 119 homicides reported in 2024.
New York, NY
New York City is famous for never sleeping, but it also never stops emptying your wallet. It’s one of the most expensive cities globally, with the median rent hitting $3,600 per month in 2024. The crime rate is high, with the NYPD logging 37,800 major offenses, including murder and robbery, in just the first four months of the year. The city’s hectic pace can prove to be stressful for many. To top it off, 40% of Americans view New Yorkers as rude.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco used to be the crown jewel of the West Coast. However, skyrocketing housing prices and a growing homeless population have made it less affordable. As one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., San Francisco’s median home price in 2024 is around $1.4 million, with a median rent of $3,300 per month. The city also struggles with a high robbery rate, which, although down 17%, remains a problem, with 1,139 incidents reported as of July 2024.
Chicago, IL
Chicago has a high crime rate, with 364 homicides reported by mid-August 2024. While the median rent is relatively affordable at $1,954 per month, a high combined tax rate of 10.25% and a pension crisis strain residents financially. Harsh winters and a reputation for rudeness, noted by 23% of Americans, add to the city’s challenges.
Detroit, MI
Detroit has been trying to recover from decades of economic decline. It is currently one of the most challenging cities to live in. The unemployment rate remains high at 10.70%, compared to the national average of 4.1%. Detroit also has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with 10,427 cases of aggravated assault reported in 2023.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles (L.A.) is known for its high cost of living, with a median rent of around $2,795 per month. The city’s traffic is among the worst in the U.S., with drivers losing 89 hours in 2023. L.A. also faces severe air pollution and environmental challenges like wildfires and earthquakes. To top it off, 21% of Americans view its residents as rude, contributing to an unfriendly atmosphere.
Baltimore, MD
People are usually wary of living in Baltimore, which is often troubled with violent crimes. Moreover, the city’s median rent is around $1,550 per month, making it more affordable than many other East Coast cities. However, underfunded public schools and about 1 in 10 people being poor contribute to its challenges. The city also faces environmental issues, including poor air quality and polluted waterways, which impact residents’ quality of life.
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham faces several challenges that make people think twice before moving there. The city has a high crime rate, which, at 75 homicides until June 2024, saw a 15% rise compared to 2023. Although the median rent is $1,144, Birmingham continues to struggle with economic issues, with a median annual household income of just $44,216, rated well below the national average of $77,397.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a city of contrasts, with booming development in some areas and decline in others. While the city has a thriving job market, it also has a high crime rate, with 47.91 crimes per 1000 people. Traffic congestion is a significant issue, with Atlanta ranked as the 9th most congested city in the U.S. in 2024. Additionally, the cost of living in Atlanta is rising, with a monthly median rent of $1,568.
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo may be overshadowed by New York City, but it faces its share of challenges. Despite a median rent of just $1,115 per month, Buffalo has a high poverty rate of 6.83%. The city also has a high crime rate, with 736 violent crimes per 100,000 people—99.1% above the national average. Buffalo’s winters are also cruel, with 44.1 inches of snow as of January 2024.
Boston, MA
Boston is a city rich in history and culture, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to live in America. The cost of living is significantly above the national average, primarily driven by high housing costs; in 2024, the median home price is around $969.7k, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,300 per month.
Traffic congestion is also a significant issue, with commuters spending an average of 88 hours stuck in traffic in 2023. Despite its top-tier schools and hospitals, Boston’s high cost of living and harsh winters make it a challenging place for many to call home.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s poverty rate is among the highest in the U.S., with 21.7% of residents living below the poverty line in 2024. The city’s violent crime rate remains high, with 87 homicides reported till April 29, 2024.
Although median rent is more affordable here at around $1,605 per month, the city’s aging infrastructure, including outdated water systems and 14% of structurally unsound bridges, leads to frequent service disruptions. Philadelphia also ranks poorly for air quality, with significant pollution from industrial activities and traffic congestion.
