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Miami named most miserable U.S. city
A tourist wearing a jacket sit at the beach in South Beach Miami, Florida January 11, 2010.
Credit: Reuters/Carlos Barria
NEW YORK |
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warm sun, white beaches, and million-dollar mansions notwithstanding, Miami has captured the dubious distinction of being the most miserable city in the United States, according to a new poll.
The playground of the rich and famous is home to a crippling housing crisis, one of the highest crime rates in the country, and lengthy daily commutes for workers, all of which have propelled it to the No. 1 position in the Forbes.com list.
"Miami has sun and beautiful weather but other things make people miserable. You have this two-tier society: glitzy South Beach attracts celebrities, but the income inequality has skyrocketed in recent years," explained Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen.
The rankings are based on factors including jobless rates, violent crime, foreclosures, income and property taxes, as well as considerations like weather, commute time and political corruption.
Reeling for decades from the decline of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan's troubled duo of Detroit and Flint registered at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, among the most miserable cities.
"Detroit and Flint are struggling," said Badenhausen. "Violent crime is highest in the country in Detroit; housing prices are down 55 percent. Detroit is closing schools and laying off policemen. In recent years they have been demolishing houses to change their city landscapes"
West Palm Beach, Florida and Sacramento, California rounded out the top five cities.
"We're trying to judge cities where residents have a lot of complaints. It doesn't mean that there aren't terrific things there," he said.
And for the haves Miami's charms remain undiminished.
"The one percent in Miami is doing fantastic. But for the vast majority, who make less than $75,000 (a year), Miami can be a challenging place," he said. "Forty-seven percent of homeowners sit on underwater mortgages. That's tough."
The complete list can be found at: tinyurl.com/75clrr9
(Reporting by Dorene Internicola; editing by Patricia Reaney)
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I guess the title “Cities who have the most media savvy complainers” while being more accurate wouldn’t roll of the tongue the same way.
1% that need Miami to feel like home when their countries decide to make changes so bothersome for democracy and their wealth.
Is it still the number one port of entry for our “never ending” need for tropical drugs? That authorities don’t know where or whom are the billions of dollars that such market generates or their perpetrators.
you will find out that the rest, 99% is like the rest of us just working ,those that have a job, like other cities accross this Great Nation!
Come to Americas saddest and I’ll show you miserable!( Springfield, Ohio)
You make me laugh and cry all at the same time…
Some people don’t know what spoiled is evidently.
Can’t even begin to believe this.
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