Washington, DC has once again earned the dubious distinction of being the least desirable city in America, according to a new poll.
For the second year in a row, the nation’s capital topped the list of places Americans would least like to live, with 33% of respondents ranking it in the top five worst cities.
Clever, the company behind the study, surveyed 1,000 people in June and analyzed migration data from the US Census to find out why D.C. has fallen out of favor.
The findings are clear: 65% of people said the high cost of living makes a place unlivable, with DC no exception.
The city’s reputation has also taken a hit due to rising crime, with 274 murders seen in 2023, the highest number in more than two decades.
Mayor Muriel Bowsers’ even-handed approach to fighting crime has led some residents to claim it has ruined their quality of life.
But as DC struggles, other cities face their own challenges.
New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco also landed on the list of least desirable cities, largely due to their unaffordable housing markets.
LA took the cake, with an annual income of $162,000 needed to afford a home there.
Surprisingly, DC excelled in one area: the Clever study crowned it the best place for working parents, thanks to high scores in the work and health categories, telecommuting opportunities and a strong network of pediatricians.
Across the country, other once-thriving cities are struggling. Baltimore, now known for leading the nation in murders and robberies, ranks seventh on the least desirable list, while Detroit, plagued by high rates of rape and aggravated assault, is also down.
Both cities, along with Birmingham, Alabama and Buffalo, New York, are dealing with the consequences of destroyed industrial infrastructure.
On the other hand, sunny Tampa, Florida, has been crowned America’s most desirable city for 2024. With year-round warmth, low crime and homes that are much more affordable than other big cities, it’s not no wonder 23% of people put Tampa in their top five.
Despite the complaints, it appears that most Americans are still happy where they are, with 73% saying they are happy with their current home.
However, frustration continues for many, with 59% feeling unhappy and 43% even embarrassed by their situation.
California, in particular, has fallen out of favor, coming in last in a recent Consumer Affairs survey due to poor grades in education, health and safety.
The once Golden State has lost its luster, with New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Alaska lagging behind in the rankings.
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