26 Places in U.S. You Should NEVER Move To (2026)

Over 40 million Americans are expected to move in 2026, and while the dream of relocating somewhere cheaper, quieter, or warmer is enticing, some towns are simply not worth the risk. From outdated infrastructure and collapsing economies to extreme weather and high crime, moving to the wrong place can cost you your savings, sanity, or shot at a fresh start.

In this guide, we explore 26 towns in the United States that experts and locals alike suggest avoiding in 2026.

26. King Cove, Alaska

King Cove is picturesque but isolated. Located in the Aleutian Islands with a population of just a few hundred, the local economy relies on commercial fishing. Limited job opportunities, high living costs, and unreliable healthcare make this town a risky choice. Severe weather often delays flights, leaving residents stranded. For more about life in remote Alaskan towns, check Alaska.org.

25. Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles faces repeated natural disasters, including hurricanes Laura and Delta. Violent crime is 61% above the national average (NeighborhoodScout), and the job market remains unstable. Insurance costs are rising, and rebuilding post-disaster is slow and expensive.

24. Hildale, Utah

Hildale, a small town near Zion National Park, is still recovering from decades of FLDS Church influence. With a shrinking population, low median income (~$30,000), and limited job opportunities, it’s a challenging place to establish a life outside the insular community.

23. North Tulsa, Oklahoma

North Tulsa carries historical scars from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The area struggles with violent crime rates nearly three times the national average, limited job access, and underfunded schools. Housing is cheap but often requires significant repairs (Tulsa World).

22. Niobrara, Nebraska

Niobrara has relocated twice due to flooding from the Missouri River. With a population under 350, the town faces ongoing climate risks, limited job opportunities, and infrastructure challenges. Flood insurance and rural repair costs make living here a financial gamble (FEMA).

21. Winnemucca, Nevada

Winnemucca’s economy relies on mining and transportation. With a median rent of over $1,200, high cost of living, and limited healthcare, families and retirees may struggle. Property crime is high due to transient populations.

20. Pitcher, Oklahoma

Once a mining town, Pitcher is largely abandoned due to soil contamination and mine waste. Lead poisoning and unstable infrastructure make it virtually uninhabitable. The EPA has intervened, but some residents remain (EPA).

19. Pahrump, Nevada

Pahrump offers affordable housing but struggles with violent crime 35% above the national average, limited healthcare, and long commutes. Extreme heat and isolation make it unsuitable for most families.

18. Gary, Indiana

Gary has a violent crime rate 3.6 times higher than the national average, shrinking population, and failing infrastructure. While housing may be cheap, repair and security costs add up, making it a risky relocation (City-Data).

17. Centralia, Pennsylvania

Centralia has been abandoned due to an underground coal fire burning since 1962. With almost no population, non-existent economy, and hazardous air quality, investing or moving here is ill-advised.

16. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Originally Hot Springs, this town renamed itself after a radio contest. Despite quirky charm, median income is below $31,000, poverty rate is 33%, violent crime is 60% above average, and job opportunities are scarce.

Also Read: 15 Weirdest Sides of New Jersey You Won’t Believe Exist

15. Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia)

The peninsula faces rising seas, flooding, and infrastructure challenges. Rural areas have incomes $28,000–$34,000, limited healthcare, and seasonal jobs. Flood insurance premiums have increased up to 300%, making relocation financially risky (NOAA).

14. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has seen economic recovery in parts of the city, but many neighborhoods still struggle with violent crime, property abandonment, and underfunded schools. The city has a violent crime rate 2.5 times the national average, and job opportunities outside downtown are scarce. Housing may be cheap, but repairs and security costs can offset savings.

13. Camden, New Jersey

Camden has a high crime rate, with violent crime 6 times higher than the national average. The population has declined over decades, leaving abandoned homes and limited city services. Employment opportunities are scarce, and schools often underperform.

12. East St. Louis, Illinois

East St. Louis suffers from economic decline and crime rates among the highest in the US. Unemployment is high, and infrastructure is failing. Property values are low, but investing is risky due to ongoing depopulation and limited municipal resources.

11. Flint, Michigan

Flint continues to struggle after its water crisis, with lasting public health concerns. Median income is below the national average, unemployment remains high, and the local economy is slowly recovering. Water quality and infrastructure issues persist .

10. Rockford, Illinois

Rockford faces industrial decline, high crime, and underfunded public services. Violent crime is above the national average, and school performance is inconsistent. Housing may be affordable, but economic opportunity is limited.

9. Stockton, California

Stockton is recovering from past bankruptcies, but crime rates and unemployment remain concerns. Median household income is lower than the state average, and some areas face infrastructure challenges. Property taxes and insurance rates are high due to flood zones (City of Stockton).

8. Birmingham, Alabama

Certain areas of Birmingham struggle with violent crime, economic disparity, and aging infrastructure. Jobs are concentrated in healthcare and education, leaving fewer opportunities in other sectors. Residents may face high utility costs and limited public transportation (Birmingham City Data).

7. St. Louis, Missouri

While some neighborhoods thrive, St. Louis has several areas with high violent crime rates, poverty, and decaying infrastructure. Employment opportunities are uneven, and the cost of living can be high in safer areas (St. Louis Fed).

6. Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton has struggled with economic stagnation, high unemployment, and a shrinking population. Housing may be affordable, but local job markets are limited, and public services are stretched thin (Scranton Times-Tribune).

5. Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield faces high air pollution, limited healthcare access in some areas, and extreme summer heat. While jobs exist in agriculture and oil, the volatility of these industries poses risks. Median household income is below California averages (American Lung Association).

4. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore has a violent crime rate more than double the national average. Housing prices vary greatly, and infrastructure issues persist. While some areas thrive economically, many residents struggle with employment, public safety, and school quality (Baltimore Sun).

3. Miami Gardens, Florida

Miami Gardens faces high violent crime and property crime rates, along with public service limitations. Cost of living is higher than the US average, and economic opportunities are concentrated in retail and service sectors (NeighborhoodScout Miami Gardens).

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland struggles with population decline, high violent crime rates, and economic disparities. While the downtown area is seeing development, many neighborhoods face underfunded schools, vacant properties, and limited job access (Cleveland.com).

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans tops the list due to extreme weather risks, high crime, and economic volatility. Hurricanes and flooding remain significant threats. Certain neighborhoods have violent crime rates 10 times the national average. While culture and tourism thrive, long-term residents face ongoing infrastructure, healthcare, and safety challenges (FEMA, NeighborhoodScout).

Why You Should Research Before Moving

While these towns may look attractive on paper, factors like extreme weather, economic instability, limited healthcare, and high crime can turn a dream move into a nightmare. Sites like NeighborhoodScout, City-Data, and FEMA reports provide insights to make informed relocation decisions.

For more information on US towns to avoid or consider for relocation, check resources like U.S. News & World Report on Best Places to Live and Alaska.org.