10 US States and Cities That Are Unfairly Criticized

February 7, 2024

The 50 states of the United States of America all have their peculiarities. Some states, such as Alabama, are well-known for their college football and devoted Crimson Tide fans. Delaware, on the other hand, is recognized for NASCAR. Connecticut is synonymous with casinos. Certain states have become notorious for reasons like high poverty rates and crime. These 10 US states and cities are struggling with these issues, as well as a negative reputation that is difficult to shake.

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Detroit

The mention of Detroit gets some people thinking about gang violence, aggravated assault, robbery, or drug-related crimes. However, people who’ve visited or live here have differing opinions.

“The Detroit area is quite uplifting and vibrant aesthetically, and the cultural diversity is not to be taken for granted,” shares a user, with another calling it a “vibrant city with a great history.”

Chicago

“I’ve heard people say it’s a shooting gallery or the murder capital,” shares a user, “(But) it’s a beautiful, vibrant metropolis with a lot to offer.” Not discrediting, there are crimes in Chicago; just like most other cities, the city is also home to magnificent architecture, diverse cultures, and open green spaces.

South Dakota

Classic View Of Mount Rushmore — Source: Shutterstock

Some users don’t hold the popular opinion that South Dakota is dull. Having visited Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, Badlands National Park, Rapid City, and The Black Hills, they deem the state breathtaking.

Cleveland

Cleveland is also unfairly maligned due to its harsh winter weather. But it rocks in terms of incredible history, jazz, metro parks, cultural institutions, museums, lakefront parks, classical musical scenes, and more.

Salt Lake City

“Salt Lake City and Utah as a whole isn’t some 19th century, no fun allowed, Mormon version of sharia law hellscape,” corrects a user. However, it does have “laws about beer over 4-5% and 0.05 DUI limit, and not being able to get a draft beer over 5% at a brewery that made the beer.”

Florida

Florida is not the place to be during the hurricane season. And it doesn’t get a good wrap with the Florida Man stories. However, it hosts incredible wildlife and nature, is multicultural, and is “one of the easiest places in the state to get by without speaking English.”

Las Vegas

The Strip is often the only place heavily marketed about Las Vegas, but there’s more to Nevada than casinos and expensive resort hotels. You can explore nature by visiting Red Rock Canyon or Ellis Island Brewery for good brew and pizza.

Sacramento

“It’s not the Bay, LA, or San Diego, but it’s a great city in California to live in that’s overshadowed by the big tourist cities in the state. If you put Sacramento in another state without these cities, its reputation would be better. Most people don’t realize Sacramento Metro sits between Pittsburgh and Portland metro size and call it a Cowtown,” a poster mentions.

Los Angeles

Many people think poorly of Los Angeles after they visit the overcrowded Hollywood and Santa Monica Pier or listen to biased news outlets. However, when one does research and has time to explore, the city has world-famous amusement parks, vibrant arts places, museums, and vast outdoor activities.