Visitors say what they really think about America’s so-called worst cities: ‘It was the meanest and fakest place I’ve ever been’

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025

A Reddit discussion in the r/geography subreddit has sparked a conversation among travelers about cities in the United States they would prefer never to visit again. The cities listed include Stockton, CA; Dallas, TX; Miami, FL; Cairo, IL; Branson, MO; Nashville, TN; Jackson, MS; Rock Springs, WY; Sioux City, IA; and Phoenix, AZ. Travelers cited reasons such as high crime rates, bad vibes, overcrowding, and a lack of redeeming qualities. Interestingly, cities like New York City, despite its challenges with crime and economic issues, were not at the top of this list.

This conversation highlights the subjective nature of travel experiences and how perceptions of safety, atmosphere, and amenities can significantly impact a visitor's impression. The implications of such discussions can influence future tourism patterns and how cities address and market their image to potential visitors. Moreover, it reflects broader concerns about urban issues in the U.S., such as crime, economic decline, and urban decay, which can deter tourism and affect local economies.

Crime Tourism Reddit R/Geography Usa Cities Travel Experiences

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RATING

4.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging look at travelers' negative perceptions of certain U.S. cities, primarily drawing from anecdotal evidence on Reddit. While it captures attention and sparks discussion, its reliance on subjective opinions without authoritative sources or balanced perspectives limits its accuracy and credibility. The lack of transparency regarding the selection criteria for the cities and absence of context for the claims further detract from its reliability. The article is readable and timely in its appeal to travel interests, but it would benefit from more comprehensive and balanced reporting to provide a well-rounded view of the cities discussed.

Accuracy

The article makes several claims that require verification, such as the existence of a Reddit post where Americans discuss cities they would not visit again. It mentions New York City's economic challenges, which are partially supported by broader economic reports but lack specific data within the article itself. The descriptions of the cities listed, such as Stockton, CA, being associated with high crime and drug use, or Miami, FL, having a negative vibe, are subjective and based on individual comments, which may not reflect broader consensus or statistical data. The article would benefit from more precise data or authoritative sources to support these claims.

Balance

The article primarily presents negative opinions about various cities without providing counterbalancing perspectives. It focuses on travelers' negative experiences and fails to include positive viewpoints or statistical data that might offer a more nuanced picture. For example, while it lists complaints about cities like Miami and Nashville, it does not explore what residents or other travelers might appreciate about these places. This lack of balance can skew readers' perceptions and does not provide a comprehensive view of the cities discussed.

Clarity

The article is written in a straightforward and engaging manner, making it easy to follow. However, the lack of detailed context or explanation for some claims can lead to confusion. For instance, references to NYC's economic challenges are vague and not supported by specific data or examples. While the article's tone is consistent, the reliance on subjective opinions without clear evidence can detract from its clarity.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence from a Reddit thread, which is not a reliable or authoritative source. Reddit comments reflect individual opinions and may not represent broader public sentiment or factual accuracy. There are no citations from credible sources such as official crime statistics, economic reports, or expert analyses that could substantiate the claims made about the cities. This reliance on non-expert opinions undermines the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and methodology. It does not provide information on how the cities were selected or the criteria used to determine their inclusion in the list. The absence of links to the original Reddit post or any attempt to verify the claims made in the comments further diminishes transparency. Readers are left without a clear understanding of the basis for the article's claims, which affects its overall trustworthiness.