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In the eyes of an average person from outside the country, many places in the United States are looked down upon. Everyone has an opinion on where people should avoid visiting, from cities to entire states! Recently, people met in an online discussion to defend different places in the United States, explicitly naming the surprising appeal of U.S. places that routinely get a bad rap.
1. All of New Jersey
The Garden State has been the butt of jokes for decades now. However, New Jersey has charm to spare, and many are coming around to see it for themselves. “People don’t realize a huge chunk of the state is beautiful woodland,” one New Jersey resident explains. “There is the Jersey shore, there are nice neighborhoods, the bad areas are no worse than many other states, there is a ton of history, and there is good food.” My parents live in New Jersey, and I can’t argue with any of this; its food scene is criminally underrated. There’s nothing better than Jersey’s pizza and Chinese food!
2. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit was once synonymous with urban blight, corrupt city officials, and dangerous neighborhoods. Unfortunately, it’s a reputation many still believe in 2023. However, current residents and visitors argue that the city has undergone a fantastic transformation recently, highlighted by an absolutely stunning (and safe) downtown area! By all accounts, Detroit has “fixed” itself and is now a destination city for any adventurous traveler.
3. Times Square
One of the most common tips for visitors experiencing New York City for the first time is “Don’t bother with Times Square.” While that sentiment is prevalent nowadays, people admire Times Square and think it’s a must-visit when exploring the city.
“Honestly, it’s a pretty impressive place architecturally; Standing in the middle of Times Square feels like you are standing in the middle of the universe with everything swirling around you,” admits one man. “It’s a surreal experience the first time you do it.”
4. Portland, Oregon
Contrary to popular belief, Portland has not been burned to the ground by U.S. extremists. (It’s amazing what people will believe when they see it written on the internet!) In all actuality, Portland is the gem of the Pacific Northwest. From its perfect weather to its gorgeous scenery and landscapes to its fantastic food and beverage scene (shoutout to its countless amazing breweries), it’s an ideal place to visit. I’ve only been to Portland once, but I would return in a heartbeat!
5. Dallas, Texas
Visiting Texas has many downsides: Oppressive weather, conflicting political ideologies, and jam-packed cities can make anyone second-guess booking a vacation there. But according to its residents, cities like Dallas are worth visiting for many reasons! Dallas has a vaunted nightlife scene and is one of the most high-tech areas of the United States, spurred by the innovations of leaders like Mark Cuban, who owns the Dallas Mavericks NBA franchise and who you’ve seen on Shark Tank.
6. San Francisco, California
In 2023, any discourse surrounding San Francisco will revolve around how it has become one of the country’s most dangerous and dirty cities. It’s an astonishing claim because it’s not true! One person puts it all into perspective. “I was there two weeks ago, and though there are more visible homeless people (or more accurately, their tents) than when I left California in 2012, it’s nowhere near the anarchic hellscape people make it out to be,” confesses one woman. I consider San Francisco one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen; the negative light the media has cast on the town is not warranted whatsoever.
7. Baltimore, Maryland
It’s bizarre that most men and women consider Baltimore to be among the most dangerous cities in the United States, as if you’d run into gangs every time you walk the city streets. Although many parts of Baltimore aren’t the safest in 2023, it isn’t altogether different from other large cities! Many areas of Baltimore, like the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Canton, are beautiful, safe, and iconic. Some of my favorite restaurants and bars in the country are within Baltimore’s city limits.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Sure, Phoenix has some of the most unbearable weather in the country. Visitors frequently have to battle triple-digit temperatures throughout the year. However, if you can get past the fact that you’ll be sweating through your visit, there’s a lot to love about Phoenix! Phoenix is tailor-made for tourism, from world-class hotels and sports stadiums to endless bars and restaurants. One of the best Airbnb rentals I’ve ever rented was in Phoenix; it was affordable and luxurious, which are two words that perfectly describe Phoenix. Plus, it’s not sweltering hot the entire year!
9. St. Louis, Missouri
I love it when cities make it their mission to revitalize everything about their town. For years, there was arguably nothing special about St. Louis, but as one man reveals, there’s a lot to love about the city in 2023! “My parents live in St Louis, and visiting there is delightful,” one man explains. “They have spent so much money on tourism, and it’s a place with a ton of history. So much of their stuff is either free or extremely affordable.” A city that doesn’t price out its residents and visitors? What a novel concept!
10. Washington, D.C.
One of the biggest misassumptions is that our nation’s capital is a haven for crime. In reality, it’s one of the best places to visit because not only is it increasingly safe, but the amount of history to discover is unmatched by other places in the United States. Forget what you’ve heard on TV and read about online: Visiting the White House, Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and other historic landmarks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Neighborhoods like Kensington have garnered national attention recently, but most of Philadelphia is gorgeous, safe, and worth visiting! “It’s a mixed bag, and I have my gripes, but I’ve been living in Philly for closing in on twenty years, and it’s in the top ten of American cities for me,” reports one woman. As someone who lived in South Philadelphia for eight years, I can attest that Philly is one of the most charming cities to visit, as its history and friendly (as long as you’re not a Dallas Cowboys fan) residents make any visit memorable.
Source: Reddit.
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