As fun as traveling is, sometimes we end up in places that don’t quite meet our expectations. Unfortunately, many places across America feel like this and may make you wish you were back at home. Let’s take a look at 18 cities in America that’ll have you running as fast as you can to the exit.
San Francisco, California
If you ever visit San Francisco, you’ll soon realize that being in a city with so many tech companies doesn’t come cheap, and you’ll need a small fortune just to enjoy the basics. It’s a place that’ll have you dreaming of your home city, where your dollars probably stretch further. After all, do you really want to shell out big bucks for a tiny coffee?
Los Angeles, California
There’s plenty of glitz and glamor in Los Angeles, but it’s not worth it when you hit the traffic. This is the kind of city where you’ll spend half a day in the car because “just a 20-minute drive” quickly becomes a two-hour commute. You’ll soon wish for the open roads back home in this city, where traffic jams are just a news story.
Houston, Texas
Houston’s got a lot going for it, like food and space stuff, although the humidity here is another story. This kind of heat hits you in the face and doesn’t stop, which becomes even harder to deal with if you’re from a place where the air’s more breathable. You’ll start to miss that dry hometown air pretty quickly.
Detroit, Michigan
Although Detroit is starting to make a comeback, it’s hard to ignore the city’s reputation for high crime rates. People here are constantly worried about their safety, and most visitors feel the same way too. Nobody wants to walk down the streets feeling like they could be attacked at any moment.
Chicago, Illinois
There’s no denying that Chicago is a nice city, thanks to its gorgeous skyline and delicious food. Unfortunately, even the hottest Chicago-style pizza can’t heat you up when winter rolls around, as temperatures frequently go beneath zero. You’ll need ten layers just to step outside, and that’s if you can even make it out there.
New York City, New York
While most people think of New York City as the city of dreams, the truth is anything but, as you’re packed like sardines everywhere you go here. The number of crowds can be overwhelming, and you’ll crave some personal space quite quickly. It’s no fun dealing with so many busy streets and packed subways. And let’s not even get started on the rat problem.
Austin, Texas
Most people think of Austin as an up-and-coming city, but the amount of allergens here tells a different story. It’s the kind of place where you’ll be sneezing more than enjoying the latest attraction. The main reason for this is that mold spores are common in Austin, which is sure to make your eyes start itching and your nose start running.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although New Orleans might have incredible music, the frequency of floods here sure puts a damper on the fun. The hassle of soggy shoes and rerouting your day around flooded places makes it hard for anyone to deal with. In this city, you’ll often have to deal with water in the streets, which is why so many people are heading out.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is fantastic for a wild weekend; just don’t expect a lot of time in nature. This city is practically just an endless desert with neon lights, which can start to grate on you and make you miss the greenery of your hometown. Most people who visit here are quite disappointed with the lack of natural landscapes that aren’t just sand.
Washington D.C.
Whether you like it or not, it’s a fact that Washington, D.C., is at the heart of American politics. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily work in the city’s favor because it might make you wish for places a little more relaxed and less politically charged. It’s exhausting having to put up with never-ending debates and political tension.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston certainly has a lot of history and smart people, but the cost of meals here is more than most people are willing to pay. Even if you don’t eat out and just buy food from the grocery store, the prices are still pretty high. Great food shouldn’t have to mean emptying your pockets, but most Bostonians don’t know that.
Phoenix, Arizona
Who doesn’t love getting a bit of sun? If you visit Phoenix, that’s all you’ll get, and that can be a bit much. The heat and brightness can be pretty intense, likely making you crave a milder and gentler climate. And if you’re from somewhere that’s usually a lot cooler, be prepared to feel the burn.
Anchorage, Alaska
Most people know Anchorage for its vast wilderness and wildlife, but that’s not always a good thing. It’s a pretty isolated place, and you might find the slower pace of life and lack of shopping options hard to get used to. Even getting items can be painful because shipping costs are through the roof.
Seattle, Washington
Thanks to all the tech companies and coffee shops here, there’s hardly a quiet moment to be had in Seattle. If you enjoy a quieter place to live, the constant noise of traffic and construction will almost certainly get on your nerves. You’ll probably be begging for a quieter place to live soon enough.
Denver, Colorado
As beautiful as the mountains are in Denver, they’re not easy to live on. When you first arrive, you’ll likely start feeling short of breath and might even be winded after a simple stroll. The air is pretty thin here, which can cause all sorts of health problems, even for the fittest people.
Jacksonville, Florida
Public transport is almost non-existent in Jacksonville, which makes those sunny beaches and the laidback lifestyle less appealing. Unless you have a car, you can say goodbye to making trips because there’s no other way to get around. One study found that workers here have one of the most difficult commutes in the country.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has made some huge improvements since its gritty steel city days, but the air quality here leaves much to be desired. Of course, the local government is trying to improve things by adopting more clean policies, although pollution levels here are still pretty high. If you’re looking for fresh air and open spaces, you’re unlikely to find them in Pittsburgh.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is good for families and people who love the outdoors but not really anybody else. Aside from a few grocery stores, you won’t find many things like bars or shops open late, even over the weekend. Nighttime entertainment is virtually non-existent, and lively evenings are unheard of.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
