Let’s dive into some eye-opening findings from a new survey that reveals the current attitudes Americans have towards the cities they live in—or rather, the cities they prefer to avoid. According to a study conducted by Clever, Washington D.C. has been labeled as the least desirable place to live in the United States for the second year in a row.
The study, which polled 1,000 people and analyzed migration data from the U.S. Census, found that a staggering 33 percent of respondents ranked the nation’s capital among the top five worst cities in the country, a sharp increase from 20 percent last year. This growing disdain for D.C. is largely attributed to the city’s high cost of living, a factor that 65 percent of people said makes a place undesirable. Washington D.C. isn’t alone in this category, with New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco also making the list of cities that Americans are eager to steer clear of.
D.C.’s notoriety isn’t just about expensive living. The city has also been plagued by rising crime rates, with 274 murders reported in 2023—the highest number since 1997. The city’s Mayor, Muriel Bowser, has implemented what she calls an “equitable” approach to tackling crime, but some residents argue that this strategy has done more harm than good, significantly impacting their quality of life.
The high cost of housing, however, remains a common thread among the cities deemed undesirable. In fact, all but one city on the list—Birmingham, Alabama—struggle with housing costs that are out of reach for average earners. Los Angeles stands out as the worst offender in this regard, with the annual income required to afford a home estimated at a whopping $162,000.
Public safety also played a significant role in shaping these rankings. For instance, Baltimore, which ranked seventh on the undesirable list, leads the nation in murders and robberies per 100,000 residents. Detroit, another city on the list, ranks first for rape and second for murder and aggravated assault. Both cities, along with Birmingham and Buffalo, New York, are grappling with the decline of industrial infrastructure, which has exacerbated their economic and social challenges.
On a more positive note, Tampa, Florida, emerged as the most desirable city in the country for 2024. With 23 percent of people placing it in their top five, Tampa’s year-round sunny weather, low crime rates, and more affordable housing options have made it an attractive place to live. The city’s median home price is significantly lower than other popular Florida destinations like Orlando and Miami, and with no state income tax, it’s easy to see why Tampa is appealing to so many.
Other cities that made the top ten most desirable list include Charlotte, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida. These cities, known for their quality of life, affordability, and favorable climates, continue to draw people in.
Interestingly, despite the criticisms of certain cities, the study also found that 73 percent of Americans are happy with where they live. However, 59 percent still experience frustration with their location, and 43 percent even say they’re embarrassed by their state. Just last week, Utah was crowned the best state to live in, according to a ConsumerAffairs poll, thanks to its affordability, strong economy, and high quality of life. On the flip side, California ranked at the bottom due to poor scores in education, health, quality of life, and safety.
