“Safety Not Guaranteed”: A Tour of America’s Most Dangerous Small Towns

Hey there, adventurers and thrill-seekers! Now, we know you’re always on the hunt for the next big thing, but today, we’re switching it up. We’ll take a pit stop at places where you should NOT be taking your next family selfie. We’re talking about small towns with high crime rates that make climbing Mt. Everest look like a kiddie slide. So, let’s get to it!  

The Dark Cloud Over Sunny Sauk Village, Illinois

 

  Sauk Village sounds like a place where you’d picnic and maybe fly kites, right? Ah, not so fast. Located in Illinois, this little spot has a crime rate of a whopping 75.3 per 1,000 residents. The high number of burglaries and assaults make this one of those towns where you just can’t leave your apple pie cooling on the window sill.  

Why Anniston, Alabama, Isn’t Your Quaint Southern Getaway

 

  Deep in the Southern heart of Alabama, Anniston is where sweet tea should be plenty and the hospitality as warm as grandma’s oven. But here’s the twist: it has a crime rate of 121.6 per 1,000 people. Yeah, that’s right! The high instances of robbery and drug-related crimes are a real deal-breaker. So much for Southern charm, eh?  

Opa Locka, Florida and Its Alligator-Sized Issues

 

  Okay, so you might think Opa Locka in Florida is all about beaches and sunshine. I hate to burst your bubble, but with a crime rate of 112.5 per 1,000 residents, you’re more likely to get sunburned by crime than by the actual sun. From thefts to burglaries, this place is practically a playground for wrongdoers.  

Bethel, Alaska Isn’t Your Ideal Winter Wonderland

 

  Ah, Bethel, Alaska. Known for its icy terrains and frosty rooftops, you’d think it’s a winter paradise, right? Not so fast, snowball fighters! With a crime rate of 121.1 per 1,000 residents, you’re better off building snowmen somewhere less icy and dicey. The rate of alcohol-related crimes and domestic issues should make you give this one a cold shoulder.  

Ocean City, Maryland, Where Not All Waves Are Friendly

 

  Who wouldn’t want to go to a place called Ocean City, Maryland? Well, you, probably, after you hear that its crime rate is 145 per 1,000 residents. So what’s the big deal? Break-ins and vandalism, that’s what! Let’s just say you might catch something other than a wave if you decide to visit Ocean City.  

Emeryville, California Steals More Than Your Heart

 

  California’s Emeryville sounds like one of those spots you’d visit for a day of sunshine and maybe some beach volleyball. But hold onto your surfboard—its crime rate is 169.8 per 1,000 residents. High levels of property crime and assaults make this one beach party you don’t want an invite to.  

Darby, Pennsylvania—It Ain’t a Darb-ling Place

 

  Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Philadelphia, Darby might seem like a quaint Pennsylvania town. But with a crime rate of 78.1 per 1,000 people, this is one hop and skip you might want to reconsider. What’s the main issue? Let’s just say you’ll want to stay away from dark alleys, especially due to the high number of assaults.  

Cocoa, Florida — A Bitter Sip

 

  You’d think with a name like Cocoa, this Florida town would be all kinds of sweet. Think again because the crime rate is a bitter 123.7 per 1,000 residents. Robberies and assaults have turned this seemingly sweet spot into a tough nut to crack. You might want to plan a summer vacation elsewhere.  

Marksville, Louisiana’s Dark Corners

 

  Down in Louisiana, Marksville has got more than just voodoo dolls to worry about. A crime rate of 119 per 1,000 residents means that, while you might be drawn to the jazz and the gumbo, you should really be wary of theft and property crimes. That’s not to say there aren’t other crimes here – these are just the most prevalent!   

Hartsville, South Carolina, Lacks a Loving Beat

 

  Nestled in South Carolina, Hartsville has a crime rate of 87.2 per 1,000 residents. It’s one of those places where, well, let’s just say you’d better keep your car doors locked and valuables hidden. Car thefts and robberies are the name of the game here, so you should really be careful about visiting.  

Globe, Arizona Doesn’t Welcome Globe-Trotters

 

  Globe, Arizona seems inviting, but think again! A high crime rate of 98.2 per 1,000 residents is more than enough reason to not become a “Globe-trotter” here. It’s got drug problems that would make any wanderer want to pack up and wander right out of town. Stay away unless you fancy getting into serious trouble!  

Bessemer, Alabama—The Irony of It All, Extended Cut

 

  Bessemer, Alabama, is a town that sounds like it was forged in the depths of a blacksmith’s shop. With a name like that, you’d expect strong community values and a work ethic as hard as steel. But nope, its crime rate is a staggering 99.3 per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes are especially rampant. We’re talking muggings, aggravated assaults, and more.  

Glendale, Colorado’s Glitter Isn’t Gold, Shining Light on the Darkness

 

  Oh, Glendale, Colorado. It’s nestled right near the Rockies and sounds like a place where you’ll encounter enchanted forests and magical elves. But surprise, the only enchantment you’ll find here is the incredibly high crime rate of 175.8 per 1,000 residents. There’s a good chance that you’ll stumble upon burglars and vehicle thieves instead of magical creatures!  

Selma, Alabama—Where History Meets Modern Problems, The Full Story

 

  You’ve probably heard of Selma, Alabama, because of its historic civil rights marches. But this place has a modern problem that you won’t find in your history books. With a crime rate of 121.6 per 1,000 residents, Selma is teeming with violent crimes—assaults, robberies, you name it. Today, you’d have to be brave just to stroll down some of its streets.  

Florida City, Florida—Where Sunshine Takes a Break, The Cloudy Reality

 

  You’d think a place so close to Miami would be filled with the smell of suntan lotion and the sound of dance music. But Florida City has got something else going on. With a high crime rate of 130.4 per 1,000 residents, this place is not all sandy beaches and palm trees. Home burglaries and auto thefts seem to be the go-to activities here.   

Kotzebue, Alaska — Cold Crimes in a Colder Place, The Chill Factor

 

  Kotzebue, Alaska, sounds like a place where you might find polar bears frolicking and the Northern Lights dancing. But, plot twist! It has a boiling crime rate of 136 per 1,000 residents, even though the weather is icy cold. The town is particularly infamous for its high rates of alcohol-related offenses. You might want to skate away from Kotzebue fast!  

Oakwood, Georgia—Definitely No Walk in the Woods, The Thicket of Trouble

 

  Oakwood, Georgia, sounds like a tranquil oasis where you might go on nature walks and enjoy the serene wilderness. But wait up! With a crime rate of 82.5 per 1,000 residents, this town has more shoplifters than it has oak trees. From burglaries to theft, Oakwood is the kind of place where you’ll want to hold onto your picnic baskets really tight.  

Darlington, South Carolina—Race Away from Danger, The Fast & the Spurious

 

  Darlington, South Carolina, famous for its speedway, is a place where you’d expect to hear the roar of car engines and the cheering of ecstatic fans. But hold up, the adrenaline-pumping action isn’t limited to the racetrack. The town has a crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 residents. Petty thefts are especially high here, so be careful!  

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’