8. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a great city to visit, but living there year round is a different story. New Orleans suffers from some of the highest crime rates in the country and it also has one of the worst toxic-substance records. New Orleans has still not recovered from 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, as the population is 25% below what it was before the natural disaster hit. Although New Orleans is known for its cultural and entertainment activities, crime is still an ongoing problem for this southern city. In 2012, Travel and Leisure magazine named New Orleans number two of “America’s Dirtiest Cities.” With a murder rate of 57.6 per 100,000 in 2011, New Orleans had the highest murder rate of any U.S. city with a population of 100,000 or more. It is also ranked as the 21st most dangerous city in the world. So enjoy the jazz and Cajun cooking, but only for a few days visit.
7. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, with a population of 212,237. The median income for a household in the city is $31,898, with 27.3% of residents living below the poverty line. Violent crimes occur at a rate of 1,483 per 100,000 residents due to the prominent drug trade and high poverty rate. Birmingham has also been criticized for its high sales tax which, at 10%, is one of the highest in the nation. This sales tax is regressive, meaning it hurts the poorer population disproportionately. If you’re interested in Alabamian living, nearby Auburn may be a better bet.
