Here's Where You Shouldn't Be Visiting in the States
If you're planning to vacation in the US, don't book your trip or pack your bags just yet. A recent study revealed 10 of the world's most tourist-unfriendly, anxiety-inducing destinations, and more than half are in America. Wondering where to travel within the States instead? We've got you: here are 10 stressful American cities to avoid—and 10 more peaceful ones worth visiting.
1. Portland, Oregon
Just a couple of years ago, Portland made headlines for being one of the least stressful American cities. Now, the switch has flipped. Due to rising costs, rapid growth, and constant traffic, Portland isn't nearly as much of a gem to visit as it used to be.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Honestly, it's rather fitting that Sin City ranks on the list as one of the most stressful cities to visit. After all, underneath its vibrant nightlife is a place packed shoulder-to-shoulder with constant tourists, which only add to the traffic and noise pollution.
3. San Francisco, California
On the surface, San Francisco may seem like a perfect place to live: diverse culture, excellent dining options, the Golden Gate Bridge. But peel that top layer back and you might also see its more pressing issues, like a high crime rate and a visible homelessness problem.
4. New York City, New York
New York City lives a fast-paced life. Here, there's no time to waste and everyone's always rushing to get somewhere. But dealing with perpetually annoyed locals isn't all—there are the tourist crowds swarming around Times Square and downtown Manhattan, the constant noise, and the astoundingly high living costs. Sure, the city is gorgeous, but is it really worth it?
5. Los Angeles, California
You've probably already heard all about LA's notorious traffic. This might be the birthplace of Hollywood, but when you have to drive four hours to get from A to B, a quick in-and-out of this destination is impossible. Plus, with all the rich and famous deciding to make LA their permanent home, everything—and we mean everything—is expensive.
6. San Diego, California
With San Diego on the list, that makes three cities from California that visitors should avoid. Like LA, traffic and extortionate living costs make many question whether San Diego really lives up to its nickname of "America's Finest City."
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland isn't just a stressful city to visit—it's a stressful city to live in. While New York and Los Angeles reign as two of America's richest cities, Cleveland is the complete opposite. Poor living conditions, high crime rates, and poverty concerns put this destination low on the bucket-list rankings. At its core, this is a city that's struggling to get by each day.
8. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit also tops the list when it comes to stressed-out cities. Like Cleveland, residents here are dealing with high poverty rates—more than 30% are living in scarcity. On top of that are the high unemployment and dangerous crime rates, which only add to the city's growing mental health problem.
9. Houston, Texas
Most cite that Houston is a place of opportunity: numerous job options, affordable cost of living, great entertainment scene. But it's also notorious for its long commute times and extreme weather, making the city unbearably humid in the summer.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
Just like Cleveland and Detroit, Baltimore is also struggling financially and economically. Though it's been a few years since the COVID-19 pandemic, it took a significant toll on the city, and Baltimore hasn't been the same since. High living costs and crime rates only add to the already existing stressors.
But if you're still looking to vacation in the US, there are plenty of other options to travel to instead. If you're looking for places to have fun and wind down, here are 10 to visit.
1. Naperville, Illinois
Located 28 miles just west of bustling Chicago, Naperville, Illinois, is considered the fifth-best city to live in the US—and for good reason. This charming suburb boasts lush parks, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions, like the Centennial Beach and Naper Settlement, the latter of which is an award-winning, open-air museum spread across 12 acres.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is home to two of the most prestigious institutions in the world: Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But there's more to explore beyond its academic reputation, and just a quick tour will reveal hip cafes, captivating museums, and quaint neighborhoods.
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Twin to St. Paul across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is famed for its lakes, which lend the city its tranquility. Bde Maka Ska, for one, is the city's largest basin and offers a plethora of outdoor activities to engage in, including archery, bicycling, hiking, beach volleyball, and more.
4. Fremont, California
Fremont, California, is situated just 30 miles from San Francisco, and it's a breath of fresh air from its bustling neighbors. Stunning natural parks, breathtaking trails, and diverse cultures make up this city, and if you were looking to visit the happiest place in America, this is it.
5. Austin, Texas
Instead of visiting Houston, why not head north to Austin? Brimming with a unique music scene, world-class museums, and more attractions than you can count on your fingers, this city's laid-back spirit is present everywhere—and it's sure to lure you in.
6. Huntington Beach, California
A gorgeous 9.5-mile waterfront and a vibrant nightlife? What more could you possibly ask for? Sometimes considered the antithesis of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, California, is the perfect escape to wind down, have a drink (or two), and listen to the crashing waves.
7. Newton, Massachusetts
With a population of just under 90,000, Newton, Massachusetts, is Boston's laid-back cousin, known best for its tree-lined streets, charming neighborhoods, and quiet, lush spaces. Comprised of 13 villages, you can go on a walking tour to explore each one to learn more about the city's rich history.
Kenneth C. Zirkel on Wikimedia
8. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Known as South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls is the place to go for entertainment. A perfect balance of history, culture, art, and adventure, you won't have the chance to stand still. A must-visit attraction? Falls Park, of course, a 123-acre playground which surrounds the city's namesake.
9. Madison, Wisconsin
As Wisconsin's capital, Madison is just pretty by name, but pretty in person. Featuring a banging culinary scene, picturesque gardens, and breathtaking waterfront gems along its five lakes, if this city isn't on your travel bucket list, you're missing out.
10. Monterey, California
Another gorgeous city perched on California's rugged coast, Monterey is known for its world-class golfing scene and aquatic activities, like kayaking and surfing. Seafood is also a must-try here—though you might want to visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium first before making a dinner stop.
