10 Worst Places to Live in America: Avoid These Cities at All Costs

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

One of the 10 worst places to live in America is Las Vegas, Nevada. Sure, the atmosphere of the nightlife is enough to lure many people in the Las Vegas direction, but what’s happening behind the scenes is what really matters for residents. Foreclosure rates have hit all-time highs in Las Vegas, leaving many neighborhoods with very few families. Surprisingly, the crime rate isn't as ridiculous as some other major US cities, but it’s still a concern. While it makes for a nice vacation trip, it doesn’t sound like the place to live if you’re looking for stability, security, or a nice place to raise your family. You can find more information on the official Las Vegas website.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Another one of the worst American cities to live is New Orleans, Louisiana. I actually felt conflicted writing this because I’ve dreamed of visiting the city since I was a child for its incredible culture, history, and jazz scene. However, beyond the culture, there isn't much to be desired for long-term residency. Besides the usual high unemployment and crime (common in many big cities), New Orleans is extremely prone to flooding. I’ve spoken with many residents who stated that their insurance rates for cars, homes, and life tripled after moving there. Check out the official New Orleans tourism site for more on the city's current state.

3. El Centro, California

One of the top 10 worst places to live in the United States is El Centro, California. It might not be as famous as other cities on this list, but this town just over the Mexico border has had staggering unemployment rates—sometimes higher than many other states combined. A majority of farmland and seasonal work has left many residents unable to find or keep steady work to provide for their families. Of course, these statistics only count those actively seeking employment. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to give back, check out these places you should volunteer your time for.

For residents who decide to leave El Centro in search of better job opportunities, relocating to San Diego, one of California’s most popular cities located just 115 miles away, is a common choice. Working with an experienced relocation company such as Best California Movers can help make the transition smoother and less stressful.

4. Chicago, Illinois

My hometown, one of the largest cities in the world, is also one of the worst places to move in the US. Aside from all the great things we have in Chicago, there are many downsides. Beyond the high taxes, high unemployment, foreclosure rates, crime, and pollution, the hardest part of living here is the lack of trust in the local government. As Rod Blagojevich made corrupt politicians famous years ago, residents are still dealing with misconduct allegations from various officials. Maybe if we cleaned up the city and had trusted leaders, it would make it onto a "best places" list instead. Visit the official City of Chicago website for more details.

5. Los Angeles, California

There is a lot going on in California, but the pollution alone in Los Angeles makes it one of the worst American cities to live. The smog problem is no surprise to anyone. A massive population density leads to terrible traffic congestion that never seems to end. This is worsened by a public transportation system that many find inadequate. It’s certainly not the ideal place to live if you want to avoid crowds, crime, pollution, or being stuck in traffic for hours on end.

6. Memphis, Tennessee

I’d have to say this is arguably the worst place to live in America. With some of the highest crime rates in the nation, the city often feels unsafe for many residents. I’d personally rather live in a city with higher unemployment or more pollution than one where I don't feel safe walking around. Some might say “no place is safe,” but when you read the statistics compared to every other city in the United States, it’s truly alarming. Safety should always be a priority, so check out our guide on how to stay safe in a new city.

7. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland rocks? Not according to the data. Many statistics point to Cleveland, Ohio, as one of the top ten worst places to live in America. In 2009, the city saw one of the largest population drops in the country. Located just south of Lake Erie, it gets hit with over 60 inches of lake-effect snow annually. Beyond the brutal weather, residents deal with political distrust, high unemployment, high foreclosure rates, and—depending on who you ask—a lack of winning sports teams. It's a "no thank you" for me; I'll be staying away from Cleveland.

8. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan, frequently makes the list of the worst American cities to live due to high crime rates, much like Memphis. The city relied too heavily on the auto industry, and when those numbers hit record lows, the "Motor City" suffered immensely from unemployment and foreclosures. Like many other places across the USA, Detroit is struggling to find its footing again. It seems many cities these days aren't the ideal targets for those looking to relocate. You can see the city's revitalization efforts on the official Detroit website.

9. Newark, New Jersey

One of the 10 worst places to live in America is Newark. One of the few "pros" was that taxes hadn't been raised by corrupt politicians for a while, but that's a low bar. With over a quarter of the population living in poverty and crime rates remaining high despite efforts to clean it up, the challenges are significant. On top of crime, unemployment, and foreclosure, residents are exposed to some of the most toxic waste sites in the nation. I’d recommend steering clear of this city, whether you’re single or have a family.

10. Hilo, Hawaii

Last but certainly not least on our list of the worst places to move in the US is Hilo, Hawaii. You might ask, "Hawaii? How is that possible?" The answer is the weather. With over 200 inches of rain per year and extreme humidity, the climate alone is enough to deter many. A little rain is relaxing, but over 200 inches on average? My hair would absolutely hate me! It’s beautiful to visit, but living there is a different story.

After reviewing these top 10 worst places to live in the United States, I've also put together a list of places you might want to avoid visiting. After looking at the statistics for each city, I’m happy to say I don’t live in any of them anymore. It seems many of these issues are common across various urban areas. Have you visited any of these cities? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!

To summarize, here are the key factors we considered for this list: