Ohio is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful nature. However, not all of its cities are equally loved by the residents and visitors. Some of them have a reputation for being crime-ridden, polluted, boring, or just plain ugly. Here are the 7 most hated cities in Ohio, according to some people’s opinions.
7. Youngstown
Youngstown was once a thriving industrial hub, but it suffered a severe decline after the steel mills closed in the 1970s and 1980s. The city has been struggling with poverty, unemployment, blight, and violence ever since. Youngstown has one of the highest murder rates in the nation, and it is often ranked among the worst places to live in America.
6. Cleveland
Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio, and it has some attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Lake Erie shoreline. However, it also has many problems, such as high crime, low education, poor infrastructure, and harsh weather. Cleveland is often mocked for its sports teams, which have a history of losing and disappointing their fans. The city is also known for its infamous river, which caught fire in 1969 due to pollution.
5. Dayton
Dayton is the birthplace of aviation, as it is where the Wright brothers invented and tested their first airplane. However, the city has not soared much since then. Dayton has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs, the opioid crisis, and the tornadoes that damaged many homes and businesses in 2019. Dayton has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a low quality of life.
4. Lima
Lima is a small city in northwestern Ohio, and it is not a very exciting or pleasant place to be. Lima has a high crime rate, a low graduation rate, and a high unemployment rate. The city is also known for its foul smell, which comes from the oil refineries and the wastewater treatment plant. Lima has few attractions or amenities, and it is often considered a boring and depressing place to live.
3. Toledo
Toledo is a port city on the western end of Lake Erie, and it is the fourth-largest city in Ohio. Toledo has some cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, and the Toledo War memorial. However, the city also has many drawbacks, such as high crime, low education, poor health, and environmental issues. Toledo is often ranked among the worst places to live, work, and raise a family in Ohio and the nation.
2. Akron
Akron is the fifth-largest city in Ohio, and it is the former rubber capital of the world. Akron was once a prosperous and innovative city, but it declined after the rubber industry collapsed in the 1980s. The city has been trying to reinvent itself as a center of education, technology, and arts, but it still faces many challenges, such as poverty, crime, racism, and corruption. Akron is also known for its bad weather, which includes cold winters, hot summers, and frequent rain.
1. Cincinnati
Cincinnati is the third-largest city in Ohio, and it is located on the Ohio River, which forms the border with Kentucky. Cincinnati has a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and a famous chili cuisine. However, it also has a dark side, which makes it the most hated city in Ohio by some people. Cincinnati has a high crime rate, a high racial tension, a high cost of living, and a high tax burden. The city is also notorious for its traffic, its pollution, and its sports teams, which have not won a championship in decades.
Conclusion
These are the 7 most hated cities in Ohio, according to some people’s opinions. However, these opinions are not universal, and they may not reflect the reality or the potential of these cities. Each city has its own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Each city has its own history, culture, and identity. Each city has its own people, who may love or hate their city for different reasons. Therefore, the best way to judge a city is not by its reputation, but by its experience.