And your Most Miserable U.S. City is .....

I liked the fact that Chicago's 10-plus percent sales tax was pointed out. And the state of Illinois doesn't go light on the taxes, either.

So I'm sure both the city and the state must have plenty of money for important programs, and no financial woes whatsoever ... :

 

Buffalo No. 8? They can hold the celebration in the Statler Building. Plenty of room available.

Actually, there are still some very nice, affordable neighborhoods in Buffalo, and they are very close to the hospitals, universities, downtown, where what jobs there are there, are, and a spectacular park.

 

Dear Memphis,

You'll need the high taxes to pay enough police officers to keep your Chuck E. Cheese customers in line.

Sincerely,
-2mcm-

 

I liked the 2d attempt better:

 

Didn't Camden simply get rolled up with Philly?

 

Really stupid of them to rank K.C. low because of miserable sports teams.

Maybe I've just outgrown fanboiism, but whether the local team is any good plays zero role in how pleasant that city is.

Only living cities are considered. I think Gary died several years ago.

 

Hoboken sucks just as badly as Camden.

Not just physical decrepitude, but ugly and rude people out the ass.

 

If you really think Philadelphia's Center City equates with St. Louis, I can't believe you've spent much time in either place. Or maybe I missed St. Louis's Independence Hall, Society Hill, Boathouse Row, Reading Terminal Market and dozens of world-class restaurants.
But yeah,people here are mean, I heard they even threw snowballs at Santa Claus.

And Joe -- I would guess Newark, Camden and A.C. don't fit the criterion of being in the top 200 metro areas RE population. I'm pretty sure Camden doesn't, anyhow

 

It's an old-looking city, sure, but it's loaded with money and luxury high-rises. It's a yuppie haven and belongs nowhere near this convo (oh, and it's too small to be in the running)

 

Some really good restaurants and a lot of very good bars.

A town of about 40,000 packed into a little more than one square mile.

 

Philly is a great city. Great restaurants, museums , easy to get around and lots of history. From Center City you can get to the ball parks via subway in 15 minutes.

 

Yeah, but rural areas have just as many problems, and not so many redeeming features.