America’s most miserable cities
19 February 2010
No CommentForbes.com
By Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes
Posted February 18th 2010
High unemployment, crime, and corruption can make these cities downright depressing. Did your hometown make the list
CLEVELAND IS #1!
Cleveland has had a colorful history. The Cuyahoga River, which runs through the city, famously caught fire in 1969 thanks to rampant pollution, and it wasn’t the first time. In 1978, it became the first U.S. city to default on its debts since the Great Depression. Cleveland sports fans have had to endure more anguish than those in any other city. The city has been dubbed with a less than endearing nickname: the Mistake by the Lake.
This year Cleveland takes the top spot in our third annual ranking of America’s Most Miserable Cities
. Cleveland secured the position thanks to its high unemployment, high taxes, lousy weather, corruption by public officials and crummy sports teams (Cavaliers of the NBA excepted).
Misery was on the rise around the country last year. Sure, the stock market was up big, but so were unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcy filings. Meanwhile housing prices, the U.S. dollar and approval ratings for Congress continued their downward spiral.
(CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE ALL TEN MISERABLE CITIES)
Have your say!