Avoid These Markets! 13 US Cities That Are Overcrowding
It’s been the dream of many to live in a big city that feels like it’s the center of the world and where the possibilities seem endless. Some are fortunate enough to be born in larger cities, but others must relocate to them.
Between the existing residents and the newcomers, some places are becoming overcrowded. This places a significant burden on their infrastructure, which can’t keep pace with the growth rate. This leads to housing shortages, strained social services, and environmental pollution.
If you plan to relocate soon, you’ll want to move somewhere that offers the quality of life you seek. Think twice before packing if any of these cities are on your relocation list.
1. New York City, New York
It’s hard to argue with the sentiment that New York City is the world’s epicenter. It’s a diverse, dynamic, and vibrant city. Everything you could want or ever need is right there. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in NYC, it probably doesn’t exist.
With a population of 8,258,035 and growing, it’s also becoming incredibly overcrowded. The availability of affordable housing is continuously shrinking while the unhoused crisis is growing. Adding to the population is only going to worsen things.
2. Los Angeles, California
In many respects, the City of Angels is like the West Coast version of New York City. It, too, is a diverse, dynamic city with everything you could want. Los Angeles is also home to Hollywood, the center of celebrity culture.
The 3,820,914 people who call Los Angeles home will tell you they love their city, but it’s not without its share of problems. The high cost of living, affordable housing, traffic congestion, and the threat of natural disasters are just a few major issues it faces.
3. Chicago, Illinois
By far the largest city in the Midwest United States, Chicago has a storied history dating back to. The Great Chicago Fire. Its 2,664,452 residents make it the third most populated city in the U.S. Chicago has high points like the Gold Coast, but it’s not easy to live in.
The city’s troubled socioeconomic status means poverty, unemployment, and crime are a few problems it regularly contends with. Even though some Chicagoans are leaving to escape these issues, it’s still a heavily populated city.
4. Houston, Texas
Boasting a population of 2,314,157 people and counting, Houston has a lot going for it. Southern hospitality, a robust job market, world-class food, tax-friendliness, and a low cost of living are drawing people and businesses from around the country.
Ironically, the influx of new residents is also becoming the source of several drawbacks, including an increased cost of living and more congested roadways. This may not be the place to move if its best qualities disappear.
5. Phoenix, Arizona
For an area that experiences blistering hot weather year-round, people still make Phoenix their relocation destination. The city is popular among retirees escaping cold winters, but younger age groups are also flocking to the state.
Lucrative opportunities in education and employment are attracting both millennials and Gen Z. Climate change is making Phoenix hotter than ever for its 1,650,070 residents, which feels even worse if the air conditioning system fails. The extreme heat isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s largest city is also the birthplace of democracy. Evidence of its colonial history can be found in the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House. Philly also prides itself on having some of the most prestigious universities in the world and is a tech hub.
It’s of no surprise that people from around the world move to Philly to be one of the city’s 1,550,542 residents. The city isn’t without its share of concerns. A slightly higher cost of living, meager on-street parking, heavy traffic, and the number of serious crimes are legitimate concerns.
7. San Antonio, Texas
Another Texas city growing a little too fast is San Antonio. It’s a chill place with a mix of American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures. With a population of 1,495,295, it has a small-town feel, and the cost of living is cheaper than in similarly sized locations.
Job seekers moving to San Antonio will find a job market that is thriving but limited in the types of careers that areavailable. Jobs in the service industry are plentiful, and it’s a growing tech hub. However, it may be challenging to find work outside of those fields.
8. San Diego, California
San Diego’s 1,388,320 residents are living that California dream. The weather is nice all year, there are many beautiful beaches with views of the Pacific Ocean, and a culinary scene reflecting many cultures delight the city’s residents. It’s hard not to like San Diego, but there are some detractions.
As with most, if not all, California cities, the cost of living is significantly higher than it is in other parts of the country. The city is dealing with a water scarcity crisis that, at times, requires water use restrictions. Because of its location, it also runs the risk of natural disasters.
9. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is famous for the J.R. Ewing and the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers pro sports teams. But in recent years, it’s become one of the prime destinations in the Southwest to move to. No income taxes and a strong jobs market are reasons why 1,302,868 live there.
The city’s popularity among newcomers is negatively affecting its infrastructure. Highways had to be expanded to accommodate more people, but heavy traffic leading to longer commutes is a source of aggravation. An inadequate public transit system compounds this.
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Florida isn’t known as a haven of affordability, but Jacksonville is an exception with a cost of living that’s lower than other parts of the state. The city also has beaches for miles and numerous protected green spaces. There’s a reason why 985,843 people choose to live there.
As the population approaches 1 million, there will be additional strains on social resources, infrastructure, and housing. The hot, humid weather may also be a difficult adjustment for those not accustomed to that type of climate.
11. Austin, Texas
Several cities in Texas are drawing in new people, and Austin is one of them. It’s an established tech hub for establishedcompanies and startups, earning the name Silicon Hills because of Austin’s hilly regions. It’s no surprise that its current population of 979,882 is increasing.
Despite the attraction for tech professionals, there are downsides to living in Austin. The public transit system leaves a lot to be desired, and the highways weren’t built to handle so much commuter traffic. The high number of relocations has increased the cost of living, and the heat can be unbearable.
12. Fort Worth, Texas
Another city in the Lone Star state that’s experiencing a population expansion is Fort Worth. Its 978,468-plus residents make it the fifth-largest city in Texas, and the city is home to major businesses. Companies like American Airlines and Alcon collectively employ thousands of workers.
For all of its attributes, Fort Worth has its share of negatives. High property taxes make it especially challenging to own a home there. The region also experiences incredibly hot temperatures and severe weather events like hail storms and tornadoes.
13. San Jose, California
California is home to some of the most amazing cities in the country, and San Jose is one of them. It’s a culturally diverse region of 969,655 residents that’s home to San Jose State University and is close to the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford.
The downside of living in San Jose includes the high cost of living, which is nearly 76% higher than the national average, and a housing shortage that’s driving up prices. These stressors are exacerbated by the regularly congested roads commuters have to navigate.
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