There’s no doubt that the US is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities, but not every urban area is as picture-perfect as the next. With America being on every keen traveler's bucket list, it’s worth indulging yourself in the following list to see if you might want to reconsider your itinerary.
Detroit, Michigan
There’s no doubt that Detroit seems to be making a comeback, but it's still far from being a top tourist destination. There’s a great deal of homelessness and dilapidated buildings, which makes for some sobering sights. That said, it has pulling power for fans of rapper Eminem.
Gary, Indiana
It was once a booming industrial town, but a decline in manufacturing jobs has turned it into a ghost town. Gary has seen much better days. There are high crime rates and abandoned buildings aplenty, which doesn’t make it an enticing travel destination.
Camden, New Jersey
Camden has struggled with crime and poverty for decades, and while there have been vast efforts to improve the area, it still has a long way to go. The crime rates have dropped in recent years, but it seems to be tainted by its history.
St. Louis, Missouri
Despite its iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis is an epicenter of crime and concentrated poverty. The high crime rate and struggling economy make it less appealing for a casual visit. It does have a high sports focus, so it might be appealing to sporting enthusiasts.
Bakersfield, California
It’s hard to imagine California as anything less than sunny and beautiful, but Bakersfield is often passed over by tourists who favor more glamorous Californian destinations. Well known for its oil production and country music, it lacks everything that the rest of the state offers.
Newark, New Jersey
Newark might be close to New York City, which can make it sound appealing, but it certainly doesn't share the same appeal. The crime rates are higher than the national average across all of America, and there is a lack of tourist attractions making it uninviting.
Stockton, California
It may have a few charming spots, but they're largely overshadowed by the city's financial problems and rough areas. Stockton's high crime rate and economic struggles make it a place not to visit. If it’s on your itinerary, opt for nearby Sacramento instead.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland does have a share of fans, but it also has a reputation for dreary weather and economic struggles. It has also been voted as the worst place to raise children, so that should be off-putting enough. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is worth a visit, but beyond that, the city can feel lackluster and gray.
Memphis, Tennessee
While Graceland is a major draw, Memphis also has a high crime rate and some extremely run-down areas. It can be quite a shocker for tourists who experience the contrast between vibrant tourist spots and poorer neighborhoods. If you’re an Elvis fan, it’s still a must.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is often talked about for its high crime and poverty rates. Despite its location in affluent Connecticut, it lacks the charm and safety of nearby cities and can be quite an eye-opener for many. The few attractions it has aren't enough to warrant a visit, even if it does host the only zoo in Connecticut.
Compton, California
Compton has a tough reputation that it's still trying to shake. From years of being poorly depicted in gang-related movies, many tourists are still too afraid to visit based on years of horror stories. While it has improved in recent years, crime and gang violence remain concerns, so it remains an area that shouldn’t be visited without good reason.
Flint, Michigan
Flint is infamous for its ongoing water crisis, but the city's issues go way beyond that alone. There are high crime rates and economic struggles, which makes it a tough and unpleasant tourist location. The ongoing recovery efforts are admirable but not quite there yet.
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown, often referred to as the Rust Belt due to its 1970s steel industry decline, has faced significant economic decline and population loss over the years. As a result, the city is now dotted with abandoned homes and factories, creating a pretty bleak and unwelcoming atmosphere.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Those who love New Orleans might want to overlook Shreveport, a city that lacks the charm and spirit of many other places in Louisiana. It tends to get overlooked due to its high crime rate and limited attractions, and while the casinos can be fun, they don’t mask the city's broader issues.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Aside from the Basketball Hall of Fame, beyond that, the city is drab and has a high crime rate. It doesn’t help that there’s little scenery and entertainment value, which certainly isn’t a selling point for tourists.
Dayton, Ohio
While Dayton is well known for its aviation history, there isn't much else to draw tourists. There is a sense of community spirit that helps elevate its potential, but it's more of a place to pass through than to stay.
Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton marks the location of the 1776 Battle of Trenton, which might seem reason enough to visit it. However, even its rich history hasn’t earned it a place as a city worth visiting. The state capital struggles with many of the same issues as nearby Camden and Newark, with some saying it’s one of the most dangerous places to live.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg might be the state capital, but it resembles a ghost town. The high crime rates don’t help matters, but that aside, even the beautiful Susquehanna River can't save it. It is often depicted as a perfect retirement city, but the reality is quite the opposite.
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