A new study has designated the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, as the least desirable city in the United States. A poll conducted by the company Clever also found that 33% of Americans consider Washington among the worst five cities in the country—up from 20% last year. Additionally, the study named the city one of the most expensive to live in, with housing costs contributing to that expense more than any other factor.
The median price of a house in the city hit $638,000 in June, as figures subsequently showed a crime spike and murders at their highest rate in two decades. Last year, 274 murders were committed in the US capital.
Washington, DC, was joined on the list of least desirable cities by New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For those cities, expense is the most common negative factor cited, with housing topping the list. In Los Angeles, the report notes, accommodation costs surpass average annual incomes by more than $160,000.
Other cities that feature in the top ten of America’s worst cities include Detroit and Baltimore, but for different reasons. For those cities, crime rates make them less desirable to many Americans. Baltimore leads the country in murder rates, while rape and assault figures have increased in Detroit.
At the other end of the scale, Tampa was named the country’s most popular city. The study revealed that 23% of Americans consider Tampa the most desirable place to live, thanks to its low crime figures, relatively affordable housing, and year-round warm weather.
Nevertheless, the survey also found that most Americans are content where they are and have no desire to leave their homes – 73% said they were happy to remain in their current neighborhoods, even though some reported they were frustrated with the direction of their state. In a separate Consumer Affairs survey, California was named the “worst state to move to.” Crime, education, and safety in the Golden States are listed as primary areas of concern for Americans.
