Top Ten Worst Places to Live in America

The United States is home to some hundreds of multi-billionaires. It is also the birthplace of the most recognizable brands in the world today – Apple Inc., Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Ford, Chase to name a few. There is no denying that U.S. is a fertile soil for dreamers. But, is it still the same scenario today as before?

Living the “American dream” has sparked home in the hearts of many. However, the brand of the country has slowly deteriorated over lapses in policies by leaders, political crisis and economic meltdown in the recent years.

We cannot make these dreams come true, definitely. But, we could perhaps redirect your wind vanes from cities that could possibly bring you misery, instead of fulfillment.

The top 10 worst cities in the United States are gauged not only by the basis of the number of crimes (although it can easily be noted as the top consideration), but also through unemployment rate, taxes and even how the city fared in professional sports over the last few years.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States with more than 2,000 reported violent crimes committed per 100,000 people. Around 386 individuals were murdered in the city in 2012. Detroit has also tasted the biggest plunge in terms of home equity in the entire country.

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Michael Velardo From Flickr

But, the biggest shock came in July of 2013 when it took a place in the history as the largest US city to file bankruptcy. The documents showed Detroit’s debt to be at $18 billion.

Detroit houses sports victors Detroit Pistons (NBA) and Detroit Red Wings (NFL) that have been quiet in terms of winning championships in their respective leagues.

Clearing of burned-out homes, crumbling factories and ailing industries might be a daunting task for the state and its leaders.

2. Flint, Michigan

Looks like Michigan is on a bad streak. Second on the list is Flint. It has the highest violent crime rate in all of the United States, with more than 2,700 per 100,000 people.

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Hollyn Johnson From mlive

Aside from crime fighting, Flint authorities are now busy demolishing foreclosed homes of people who migrated to other more peaceful states and cities looking for better career and lifestyle opportunities.

Employment hazards are also prevailing in the city. If you can easily hire a slip and fall attorney in VA Beach, the opposite is true when living in Flint.

3. Rockford, Illinois

Rockford is the most populous city in Illinois outside the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Its unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country with 11.2%. Another burden for residents here is the excessive tax rate for properties.

4. Chicago, Illinois

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By David Caldwell From Parkwhiz

You may be wondering what the alpha+ city and fourth ranked in terms of GDP in the world is doing on the list? It’s also no cradle to notorious criminals in the country. Then, why?

Migration rate out of Chicago has picked up over the last two years. Mind boggling long commutes, plunging home prices, high foreclosure rates and brutal winters are said to be the culprits.

5. Modesto, California

Financial stability is not easily achieved in Modesto, California. Unemployment rate is at 15%, the third highest in the country. Around 3.8% homes are foreclosed over a period of 12 months.

6. Vallejo, California

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Brave New Films From Flickr

Vallejo has similar predicaments as Modesto – unemployment rate and foreclosures. The city filed bankruptcy some five years ago, and has never recovered since then.

7. Oakland, California

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Scott Hirsch From Flickr

If there will be a robbery capital in the United States, it would be awarded to Oakland. There are around 851 incidents of robberies per 100,000 individuals in the city. Violent crimes here are linked with poverty.

8. Warren, Michigan

It’s strike three for the state of Michigan. Warren’s home prices dropped to more than 50% in the last five years. This is a testament to the city’s unstable economy.

9. Stockton, California

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Lewis Clark From Whitenewsnow

Three’s a company for California, too. It was the largest city to file for bankruptcy in 2012. High levels of foreclosures, unemployment rate and prevalence of violent crimes ushered Stockton in the list.

10.Cleveland, Ohio

Worst Places to Live in America

CC Image By Matthew DeLuca From NBC News

In 2012, there were more than 800 reported robbery incidents for every 100,000 residents in Cleveland. This is second behind Oakland, but what really caught the world’s attention was the highly publicized discovery of three women held captive by Ohio man Ariel Castro for almost a decade and repeatedly raping them. Castro committed suicide inside Ohio prison in September.

The power and influence of the United States globally are somewhat immeasurable. Anyone who is elected the President of the country is automatically dubbed as the most powerful person in the world. As the cliché goes “nothing’s perfect”, even a superpower nation.

It’s Your Turn

Have you ever been to a city that gave you a horrific experience, you promised yourself you would never ever come back? What qualities can make you despise a city or even call it miserable? Are you living in one and is already looking for a way out?

Share us your stories, unforgettable experience and more. Drop a note or two at the comment box below.

About the Author:

Adam Prattler is an advocacy leader of ethical guest blogging. He creates public awareness on politics, technology, business and law through his articles.

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