Once-Popular US Cities That People Now Avoid
There are some U.S. cities that have attracted travelers and tourists for decades. There are others, however, that visitors have no taken to steering clear of. With help from TheTravel.com, we take a look at 15 once-popular cities people don’t go to as much anymore. (Although, the city ranked No.2 is supposedly on an upswing after many years.)
15. Seabreeze, New Jersey
This area along Delaware Bay was a thriving beach resort back in the 19th century. But following a fire to one of its prime hotels in 1890 and a couple disastrous hurricanes through the following century — one in the 1980s — Seabreeze is almost completely deserted now.
Next: Coming in at No. 14 …
14. San Bernardino, California
This Southern California destination was once a quaint place to visit. Now, San Bernardino is recognized for its high crime rate, earning itself the dubious honor of being the most dangerous city in California according to a 2016 report.
Next: Coming in at No. 13 …
13. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock maintains a high crime rate, with the F.B.I. ranking it eighth in the country in violent crimes and fourth overall in property crime such as burglary and auto theft, according to a Little Rock local news report.
Next: Coming in at No. 12 …
12. Daytona Beach, Florida
Next: Coming in at No. 11 …
11. Cleveland, Ohio
There are a couple cities on our list that are trying to make a comeback after having a bad rap for several years, and Cleveland is one of them. This city boasts a bevy of museums and entertainment options to offer — and really, every sports team except for the Browns have been better in recent years.
Next: Coming in at No. 10 …
10. Memphis, Tennessee
While most widely known for being the birthplace of rhythm-and-blues, Memphis has known now for having a dangerously high number of gangs and
Next: Coming in at No. 9 …
9. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a bit misunderstood, in part because of how it was portrayed on The Wire. Nevertheless, the city does have one of the highest crime rates in the country. Plus, any fish caught in Baltimore’s Inner Harbour is toxic if ingested.
Next: Coming in at No. 8 …
8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
While the beer scene may attract some, Milwaukee’s high crime rate and brutally cold winters can scare travelers off. Plus, it’s topped lists for being one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the country.
Next: Coming in at No. 7 …
7. Miami, Florida
Long story short, Miami is crowded and pricey. According to a Miami Herald article from August 2018, 65-percent of households are struggling as the wage disparity continues to rise. For visitors, eating and drinking out can cost a pretty penny.
Next: Coming in at No. 6 …
6. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Once considered the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” the Pocono Mountains area has faded from its glory days. Secluded resorts that once drew crowds are now abandoned and overrun by the nature surrounding it.
Next: Coming in at No. 5 …
5. Hilton Head, South Carolina
TheTravel.com calls this vacation destination “sterile” and “boring” and, in fact, it has lost some of its oomph much like other resort towns across the country. However, Forbes said the island is now becoming a hot spot for luxury real estate.
Next: Coming in at No. 4 …
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
We know, we know — Sin City is still a hot spot. However, the overpriced nature of the Strip has chased vacationers away, with summer of 2018 seeing a drop in revenue. Visitors are reportedly fed up with being “nickel and dimed” every time they visit.
Next: Coming in at No. 3 …
3. Niagra Falls, New York
The Falls make this spot a top tourist attraction in both the U.S. and Canada. However, surrounding tourist traps surrounding the Falls in both countries make it a more expensive attraction than it needs to be. Plus, depending on when you visit, it can be quite busy.
Next: Coming in at No. 2 …
2. Detroit, Michigan
The decline of the Motor City has stretched on for so many years it’s almost hard to believe it was once a thriving metropolis. But Detroit is reportedly rebuilding itself back into form. (That new facility the Red Wings play in doesn’t look half bad.)
Next: Coming in at No. 1 …
1. Hollywood: Los Angeles, California
Few places in the country have fallen further than this LA neighborhood. While it isn’t considered one of the more dangerous parts of the greater Los Angeles area, it’s overly-crowded, heavily touristy, and nowhere as glamorous — or as clean — as TV makes it out to be. You’re probably better off taking a virtual tour of the Walk of Fame online.
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