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In a way, you can rate a travel destination by how much you thought about moving there. I call it the "Accommodation Refund to Zillow" scale. I admit, the title needs work, but you get the idea: if you keep wondering whether you'd be reimbursed some of your money for preemptively vacating your booking, the trip probably isn't going so well. And if you go online to check if you could afford a property in the area, then it's a completely different experience.
However, tourists and locals often see places from polar opposite perspectives. The former need restaurants, beaches, and a forgiving currency exchange rate, while the latter are more interested in hospitals, schools, and job opportunities. To explore the mismatch further, let's take a look at a Reddit thread where people have been listing cities, countries, and regions that are beautiful to visit but not to live in.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Los Angeles. It’s like if a traffic jam became complex enough to achieve consciousness.
Susan Reid Smith 7 months ago
When we live in LA, we live in the city of Los Angeles or one of the cities in the region. We don't cross the entire urban area every day. It isn't paradise but it is home.
JayWantsACat 7 months ago
Eh. People who don't know better always default to "LA sucks hurrr". Yes, there is constant traffic. Yes, there are s****y vapid people, especially if you're the type of person that wants to go to places where those people congregate. But LA is much more than that and whatever couple of issues they apply to the entirety of the city. I loved there for two years and while it wasn't for, there are a bunch of great things about it if you looked beyond Hollywood and downtown and whatnot.
katiekat0214 7 months ago
Lived there 22 years, and liked it a lot, mostly because I was with my wonderful (now late) second husband. My sister visited, and she was vastly amused at how we planned every trip out, even if just to buy groceries. These days, I've moved back to my home state, and being able to turn left just never gets old.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
Don't wanna go there but it honestly seems so good in the media and stuff
Evelyn Luise-Katharina Hinz 8 months ago (edited)
Been in many US cities (Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Anchorage, Fairbanks, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando and LA. The two places I liked least were Orlando and LA, though I like the Hollywood Hill area with coyotes and pumas.
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#2
Dubai… horrible, horrible place, trying hard to improve their image.
Kevin-W:
It looks great with all of its attractions and shiny buildings., but it's so soulless and is basically a rich person's playground where you'll barely encounter a local emirati with most of the population being from third countries that are exploited for labor.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I worked there for a while and second this sentiment
Load More Replies... urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
Have you seen the aerial view of Dubai? There's basically a big, sophisticatedly-shaped island with lots of lights and stuff in the middle and then just slums all around. It's so sad...
GREYNOOK 8 months ago
haven't been in town yet but was at their transit airport. some relatives live there and i can see from their life style and habits that place isn't for the weak hearts 😫🤦♂️
Robert van Deventer 8 months ago
That is certainly true. The city will chew you up and spit you out.
Load More Replies... Robert van Deventer 8 months ago
Pains me to say that the link is incorrect on many fronts. The photos are incorrect and the locations are incorrect. I spent a lot of time in Al Quoz and it's not to Western standards but out is not a shanty town or slum. That said the writer's piece, https://travellingtopics.com/what-is-the-dark-side-of-dubai/, is entirely on point, unfortunately.
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The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
So, ignore the hellscape and awful human rights violations so you can have a nice vacation. Thanks for the tip!
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#3
Most of the West Indies and Jamaica fit that description. Lots of tourists with wealth going to the poorest places on earth. Locals on those islands are dirt poor.
I was invited to a village of one of the locals I met in St Lucia one time. He worked as a water taxi driver at one of the resorts and had managed to save enough money to build a house for him, his wife and their newborn. When we arrived at the village, it was like stepping into a National Geographic film. The village had one well in the center, and one public bathroom which was no more than a large outhouse. His new home was a small 2 room building with dirt floors and no doors or windows and no electricity. I had never seen that level of poverty before. I was stunned by the dramatic difference from the wealthy resorts full of amenities that these poor locals work for. The saddest thing was there was very little chance of him or his family to ever escape the impoverished hell they lived in.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
It's called the poverty cycle - it's easy enough to be dragged into it, almost impossible to get out
Kohl_Keene 8 months ago
Same thing I saw in Belize. Beautiful resorts, and then take a golf cart out a few miles and you’ll find crippling poverty. Sad
Joanne Mendonza-Earle 7 months ago
It's reeeeeeally not recommended for tourists to go off with anyone local.
Lowrider 56 8 months ago
You should see the border at El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. In the mid 70's, I was hitchhiking across the US when a guy who gave me a ride wanted to know if i would like to cross the border with him to go see family. The difference between El Paso and Juarez was shocking. El Paso was a really nice place. Ciudad Juarez, the part i saw just over the border, you could still see El Paso, was a huge shock! All the people lived in stone houses, with no electricity or running water. Blankets hung in the windows and doorways. There were some kids doing homework by candle lights. There was a central well in the middle of the neighborhood that everyone used. The guy i was with sent me to a little cantina to get some beer. You had to bring your own container for it, and it was warm. No electricity, no refrigerators to keep stuff cool. It was 2 completely different worlds just a few hundred yards apart. I knew that some parts of Mexico were 'poor' but seeing it up close and personal is shocking
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
I can agree about the stark difference between El Paso and Juarez but I’ve never heard anyone other than you call El Paso a “nice place.”
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Lizzy Bee 7 months ago
I know it's hard for some to fathom but life in the West Indies as a true local is magical. We thrived without electricity and plumbing. We had organic everything because we fished had gardens and fruit trees and raised our own animals. We enjoyed the clean air. We played and worked outdoors most of the time. We weren't stuck behind a computer under florescent lights. We loved life and had no idea we were poor until wealthy people came and told us we were poor. Life was good and simple. It's funny how many people from wealthy areas now want the lives we lived.
#4
Every single cruise location on the planet. The living conditions for the locals are horrible and the only “good” areas are saved for the tourists.
I will never cruise. It is the height of consumerist privilege and human trafficking.
F**k that.
Donna Peluda 8 months ago
I've done subcontract work for cruises. Most of the staff are from developing countries and are paid peanuts tomwork inhuman hours. No labour regulations apply at sea, that's why cruises are so cheap.
KeepTrying 8 months ago
Does that include companies like P&O or TUI? I’m shocked and really need to know before I consider a cruise.
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Andi 8 months ago
Did you know cruising is amongst the least green method of travelling? Cruise ships are notorious for their massive fuel consumption and high carbon emissions, often exceeding those of airplanes on a per-passenger basis. Cruise ships generate a large amount of waste, including plastic waste, sewage, and solid waste, which can negatively impact marine ecosystems. Cruise ships can disrupt marine habitats, contribute to noise pollution, and release harmful chemicals into the water.
Admiralu 7 months ago
Not all ships are huge or have casinos. Some are small have few passengers.
Load More Replies... Joanne Mendonza-Earle 7 months ago
I disagree. Cruises to Alaska and the far northern hemisphere ports are fine. Newfoundland, Iceland, Scandanavia, British Isles, etc.
#5
Brazil. From England and used to live there growing up for a time due to my parents’ job assignment. My British school peers were jealous of my move because Brazil is portrayed as a tropical paradise, but when I arrived there it was quite bad.
To be clear, Brazil does have some of the most beautiful and cool nature, wildlife and beaches you’ll ever see. So it is paradise in that respect. Its people are also extraordinarily warm, friendly and with such a chill attitude to life compared to the semi-Victorian vibes I sometimes get in England.
But I’m talking about regular daily urban life in Brazil - it’s just so humid and hot for so much of the year. I felt like I couldn’t breathe the air properly.
Also, there were far too many social and economic problems (d***s, trash everywhere, teenage pregnancy, violence and organised crime, inequality, power cuts, unemployment, low education, bad food quality, dirty water, low public sanitation, smelly waterways, dangerous roads, air pollution).
All of those above things create a very uncomfortable living situation, and even if you’re rich you won’t be able to escape some of these aspects.
Tom De Paul 7 months ago
Do you mean to tell me that beautiful, tan, fit people of both genders don't walk around wearing thongs smiling with their perfect blindingly white teeth?
Just Another Karen 7 months ago
it depends on where you live in brazil. it's a really big country. there are awful places, yes, but there are nice places too. and i'm not talking about having money.
#6
Maldives.
It's heaven on earth on the tourist islands.
But its a very poor and restrictive hardcore islamist country. It's the country with the highest ISIS suporter rate percentage-wise.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
It's like this with most places - they make it look spectacular and glorify these places so much purely for the sake of tourism. Also big tourist companies are taking money away from locals by attracting tourists to turn to them for things like accomodation, food and activities instead of locals.
For All Pedernity 8 months ago
It's not a 'very poor' country. It has a fairly high GDP per capita, medium equality and a pretty diversified economy in spite of its geography. It is a Muslim majority country, but not among the strictest in the world.
#7
Cuba. It is beautiful and have been little busts of eutopian success there in the past.
Then you realize you make 15 dollars a month, a kilo of chicken costs 6, and your rations dont come remotely close to bridging the gap.
Then the lights go out for days at a time, and you realize the infrastructure isnt there to assure they don’t go out permanently.
Then when you try to leave the country for somewhere else, you realize you would have to save money for 30 years to make a safe and sound move.
You stew over the fact that tourists are not just above the authoritarian law, but are totally safe from violent crime while you have to worry about both.
Then you turn on the news and you see your people from Miami advocating to further economically wreck Cuba in order for you to cause a revolution - while conveniently forgetting you have no guns.
Then you go to the hospital for a broken arm and whoops, no morphine - have a tylenol with codiene. . . I mean a regular tylenol that was produced in the USSR before the Berlin Wall came down with half the stated dosage - oh and they’ll have to make your cast out of paper mache because they’re out of plaster.
Oh, and when you complain too much about all this, the Cuban equivalent of a Homeowner’s Association president (who has the backing of the police) goes to your place, bangs on your door, and threatens to ruin your life if you don’t shut up.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
It would be a lot better if there weren’t an illegal economic blockade by US
Abe Hartman 8 months ago
They still trade with other countries and the US allows humanitarian aid. The issue is the Cuban government
Load More Replies... The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
How long ago was it that any significant number of Americans defended the Cuban government? 30 years? Maybe it’s time to get over it, reactionaries, and worry a little more about the authoritarian regime in your own country.
Stannous Flouride 7 months ago
And the Tangerine Toddler wants to send all the Cuban refugees, some of the Republican party's most ardent and vociferous supporters, back to where they'll be persecuted. (Likewise the Venezuelans who fled the Chavez/Maduro brand of communism).
Tom De Paul 7 months ago
Because Communist revolution is known for improving the lives of the poor.
Abe Hartman 8 months ago
They still trade with other countries and the US allows humanitarian aid. The issue is the Cuban government
Load More Replies... #8
Greece. The economy is awful, houses are nearly impossible to buy and foreigners are saying it’s an awesome place to live and work but they’re usually influencers with remote or social media jobs, meaning they influence people to come and buy houses, making it impossible for greek people to buy a house themselves bc of pricing. There is quite an unemployment/ low salary problem as well.
Basically the only people that benefit are the influencers that live on an island with a remote job from another country that only live there to boast that they’re in santorini or mykonos and make no effort to learn the language and culture :/.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
Lots of places in Europe are becoming this way. Ask the Portuguese, the Spanish, the Irish, etc, how they feel about their local housing options. So many places get bought by people looking for their second homes, or for AirBnB rentals. The local people can't afford housing.
Remi (He/Him) 8 months ago
There are a lot of people who live and work in Greece who like it there too. You might not make as much money, but that doesn't mean you can't have a nice life. Forget the moronic influencers and find out what people who've lived there as a part of the community for decades have to say.
boredpandaki 8 months ago
Yep, airbnbs and golden visas have made the purchase of a house and renting a house a real pain in ou a**. Otherwise, it is not that bad. Also, please do not forget that Greece is not only Santorini and Mykonos...
Tom De Paul 7 months ago
And everyone in Europe, including the Italians believe the Greeks are the laziest people in Europe. So there's that. Can you think of anything Greeks make that anyone wants to buy?
boredpandaki 7 months ago
As for the laziness, please refer to this and see who works the most... Also Greece has been a great exporter with fine agricultural products such as olives , oil, tobacco, fruits and others. It had manufacture for excellent bikes, even cars and military vehicles, plastics.The majority of these have been sacrificed in geopolitical and economical games during the past decades. The reason is not so superficial as you present it
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Pavlos Houneris 7 months ago
Invasion eh? According to the 2021 census the total population of Greece is 10,4 million of whom 756,000 are not Greek nationals. But wait, out of those, 558,000 are Europeans (both EU and non EU countries) so the hordes of invading non Europeans number less than 200,000 or 2% of the total population. Actually, the population of Greece (Greeks and immigrants included) has been steadily falling since 2010, with the population in 2025 expected to fall below the 1990 figure. Characteristically, the number of Albanians, the largest TCN immigrant group in Greece, is also falling, there were 480,851 in 2011 and 374,296 in 2021. It's become commonplace in the last years for local employer unions to pressure Greek governments to increase quotas of imported gastarbeiters from Bangladesh, Egypt or Pakistan. So much for an invasion And mate, which city squares are you talking about? Coz in Athens, crowded squares 99% of times mean hordes of tourists, not prole TCNs, employed or unemployed.
Load More Replies... #9
Puerto Rico. I’m Puerto Rican and the people are amazing, the food is amazing, the overall island is beautiful. BUT the economy, the lifestyle issues (no secure electricity or water) and the horrible HORRIBLE job market makes living there not even worth it unless you’re filthy rich… and the filthy rich are ruining the island further.
David 8 months ago (edited)
It required 2/3 of Puerto Ricans (Corrected from earlier misspelling) to vote for statehood to become a state, in 2020 only 52% voted for statehood, 1.3% voted for independence.
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Giorgos Fothiadakis 7 months ago
I think the photo is not from Puerto Rico, but from a small town in Crete, Greece, called Agios Nikolaos.
Stannous Flouride 7 months ago
American businesses set up shop there because they can exploit the locals without the oversight they'd face on the mainland.
#10
Rio de Janeiro
Sure, nice beaches, Carnaval, the Christ statue, and such... But it's also one of the most violent cities in the world and it has extreme social inequality.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
Ah yes. My beautiful city. For tourists, it's mostly good. Just stay in Copacabana and Ipanema. When you go downtown, be vigilant and don't go at night. I travel on public transit and it's also mostly safe if you know where you're going and don't travel through bad areas.
Hippopotamuses 7 months ago
But BP keeps advertising Sol de Janiero perfumes from Amazon, so it must smell nice.
Adam McNally 8 months ago
Yes, it is not the safest place on earth, but there is always a dumber tourist close by. I love Rio. It just has something about it. The people, the setting….it really is seductive.
#11
Definitely Bali. It’s often marketed as a paradise with its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, but living there long-term can be a different story. The traffic is a nightmare, the infrastructure is lacking, and the cost of living is much higher than expected for the local experience. Plus, the expat community can sometimes be cliquey and isolating. It’s a beautiful vacation spot, but not all that great for daily life.
Zelda McLink 8 months ago
Plus it's always full of drunk bogans. If I wanted to hang out with a bunch of drunk Australians I can go to a nightclub.
M in Bali 8 months ago (edited)
What a cliche oversimplification. Been living here for 20 years now and still very easy to not encounter any drunk bogans. Don’t judge a whole destination on the 0.5 percent you refer to please.
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The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
Huh; imagine that. A tourist destination being marketed as a paradise where you can relax on a beach while the everyday lives of the residents is markedly different. Whodathunkit?
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
I was in Bali and the beaches there definitely looked like it needed a cleanup
Ahnjunwan 7 months ago
I was there too and bali had the dirtiest beaches i have ever seen and that includes cambodia and vietnam. I booked one month but fled to lombok after one week and it was much nicer
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Another Panda 8 months ago
Bali is just no. Do many tourists get sick / injured / or die. Don’t go.
#12
Vancouver, if you don't have lots of money. Beautiful city, I'd never want to live anywhere else, but rent and real estate prices are ridiculous. I'm lucky, I bought my house almost 25 years ago, but I don't think my kids will ever be able to own a place here, at least until they inherit my house.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
Anglosphere disease. Private equity and policies that escalate housing costs are making them unlivable. Not unlike late Victorian England
Lame Llama 8 months ago (edited)
I'm in Amsterdam. Our property prices is about 80% to double that of Melbourne. Vancouver is more comparable to Amsterdam. Melbourne is not even close. Melbourne median salary is higher than Amsterdam too.
Load More Replies... Joanne Mendonza-Earle 7 months ago
Vancouver Island is waaayyyy better but probably more expensive too.
#13
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Japan here yet. It usually tends to make these kinds of lists.
I've been there 4 times, speak the language, have worked there for almost 3 months, and have plenty of friends (both Japanese and foreigners) there- but even so, I'm not sure I'd want to settle there long term. Japan is definitely great in many ways, but it's also very much not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person.
Critical_Ad1515:
Let me also add this. I have family who live in Japan and they do not recommend coming here to live as a woman. Obviously not all men, but a majority of them are horribly misogynistic. The sexism is insane. Many women also have many problems with sexual harassment.
No_Protection_7253:
I love Japan but definitely got annoyed by how fake some of it was and just crazy busy in high pop areas. Plus, the xenophobia can be jarring. Compared to some first world places I actually found it low cost, although I know locals don't tend to make much. Still, it's on my short list for possible retirement (I'm okay at the language and learning more every day).
J 8 months ago
I have lived in Japan 10 years. I can guarantee you this is one of the best place to live in the world. Amazing nature, incredible history, very respectful people and unbelievable safe. I really don't get the comments above!
Sam Todd 8 months ago (edited)
Depends on where you are, I suppose. I have lived here 19 years and a lot of what was listed above is true. It ebbs and wanes, but is generally ever-present. EDIT: to be clear, I am referring to the more negative statements made in the top post.
Load More Replies... Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
The biggest issue with Japan is the over tourism. Former PM Abe followed American recommendations and turned it into a tourist mecca. Some degree of tourism is great, but everywhere interesting is jammed with ignorant dweebs.
Alexandra 8 months ago
My husband has a disability due to a car accident. Still, with some concerted efforts we can go on holiday to other countries. We were planning to go to Japan, until someone we met an an exhibition at the Japan Institute told us that people with a disability are seen as evil by many Japanese. Equally, people who are overweight are ridiculed. We were not convinced and started reading up on people's experiences. On the basis of that, we decided not to go.
Remi (He/Him) 8 months ago
I've been to Japan a few times and 1. I've never seen an issue with people with disability and the accessibility is usually top notch (I suspect catering to the aging population might be to thank for that) 2. I've never encountered issues with people on the basis of being over weight, I do speak the language enough that I would have noticed. Although this might be an age thing as I'm 50 and look even a little older with a lot of grey in my hair and wrinkles.
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Lost Panda 8 months ago
Visiting Japan, or even temporarily living in Japan for like a teaching job, is completely different than living there long term. It is not, NOT, this awe inspiring country full of wonderful people that everyone who visits says it is. A short story: I had to renew my residence card (green card) and it required tax statements that you have to get from the government. We went to city hall because my wife (Japanese) was also not sure where we could get it. When we asked, the first thing the city offical said was "The form that shows he has been unable to pay taxes?" and kept correcting us when we said tax receipts. Finally, I snapped and told them I make X which is double your government salary, now I want my receipts. It was like flipping a switch on the service I got after that.
Lost Panda 8 months ago
TL;DR: Japanese tend to look down upon all foreigners, and the nice act for tourists is just a way to get your money. Foreigner leaving in Japan = Poor Gaijin
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Yanier Gonzalez 6 months ago (edited)
To eborate on what OP said about 'certain kind of person' -- If you're a white-ish guy who is a workaholic who likes peace and quiet, safety at all hours everywhere, don't like d-r-u-g-s or guns, like to walk, like nature, don't mind snow, are concerned about healthcare as a senior, want affordable housing, and are committed to reading and speaking Japanese, then Japan is absolutely heaven. The worst thing I can say about Japan is the work culture can be brutal, but see my #1 point. Once you speak the language, people really open up. But my black and indian friends have stories, hence point #2. If you don't master the language, living here is extremely hard. Been here for 12+ years, cannot imagine living anywhere else. Lived in Cuba, Panama, Jamaica, Miami, and San Francisco prior. Japanese people are truly kind and interesting.
#14
Miami full stop sucks a*s unless you're rich.
MessiLeagueSoccer:
It’s survivable but as a regular person you pretty much are required to live with roommates, a toxic ex or your parents. I wish it was easier to just leave but not having a real safety net or well off parents makes it so much harder. I want to move to Colorado but COL is almost the same as Miami if not more.
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
If people want to have reasonable home prices in a place that isn’t running out of water, the Midwest and East are good options at the moment. I think the American “Rust Belt” is going to experience a renaissance once the effects of global warming start pushing people out of the west.
Load More Replies... BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I don't like Miami. Language wise it's great, as I speak Spanish. But in most of the US I'm like a solid 6, maybe even a 7 if she's wearing beer goggles. But in Miami I'm a 1 at best. It was the first time somebody went out of their way to let me know I was ugly. I wasn't even talking to them.
Another Panda 8 months ago
What a horrible thing to say to someone. Sorry that happened to you.
Load More Replies... GalPalAl 8 months ago
I am a south Florida native living in Broward County am only speaking for tri-county are here (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach). Lot of tropical weather and sites, beaches and water. Beautiful to visit, expensive to live. The amount of traffic and people on the roads and in public places is becoming a real hazard. It's just too much. Overdeveloping land, displacing native flora and fauna, and slowly becoming oversaturated and no longer paradise.
DeoManus Argentem 8 months ago
So true, fellow Broward born and raised - I can remember how during the summer you always noticed a huge drop in traffic on i95, now it's always crazy, even though they keep adding lanes! By my ramp (Atlantic blvd) it used to be 6 lanes, now I think it's like 18, crazy!
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#15
Florida. Everyone thinks it’s this crazy beautiful beach paradise that’s perfect to retire at. Turns out it’s just an overpopulated, overdeveloped c**p hole that will continue to develop. The people here love to complain about it and then support the people figure heading all of the development so I can’t say we don’t deserve it at least a little bit. It’s not all bad, definitely has its pluses, but it’s not a paradise.
Economy_Jeweler_7176:
Florida was pretty great 20-30 years ago, but the constant influx of northerners moving from big cities for the “suburban, drivable lifestyle” has resulted in a sprawling mess of identical subdivisions and strip malls connected by 8-lane highways lined with half-dead palm trees and zero walkability.
A lot of the natural lands are either paved over or privatized— and the beaches are either privatized or constantly overcrowded. Living anywhere near the beach is only practical for millionaires, and everyone else is looking at 1-2 hours of traffic just to get to the overcrowded beaches.
The only real solace is the state parks— which DeSantis is actively trying to develop with condominiums and golf courses.
Rob D 8 months ago (edited)
Floridian basically all of my life. The most aggravating thing about Florida is the retirees brought their rancid politics with them. Retired from union jobs, with pensions, from blue states, where they were the political minority, they move here and turn it bright red. So aggravating watching people whose entire quality of life stem from living in democratic states move here so they can finally be the retired MAGAts they couldn't be up north. Disgusting. Cause believe it or not, Fl Man reputation or not, this would be a blue leaning swing state if these trumper boomers would just die the f**k off already. It's pretty much made me hate boomers. In FL they have nothing to do but watch Fox and stew in their endless bigotries, fear, and angst. You should see the bumper stickers. Peak conservative Christian boomer ignorance all day every day. While republican policies hurt everything and everyone they can, but primarily the working class keeping these old f***s alive. They vote against living wage cause it'll impact their retirement; from what career? ... Oh, a 30 year union career turning the same gd bolt on a line at $80K/yr? But they have the gall to retire here and keep it "right to work".
CatD 7 months ago
With Trump and Musk getting rid of SS Medicaid and Medicare they will be.
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Nimitz 8 months ago
My sister DREAMED of moving to Florida to be warm and enjoy the sunshine and beaches. She's a highly sought after Ph.d instructor of nursing. After talking about it for years she finally went down for 3 weeks and completely changed her mind. She had no idea America was actually that poor. Men down there would not take no for an answer (she's got a black belt in Kung-Fu and had to smack down handsy guys on multiple occasions). The thing that broke her spirit is her health. She has severe asthma and has had multiple joint replacement surgeries, so she was highly upset to learn her insurance would be over $1,200 USD/month. Suddenly the Canadian winter seems not so bad
Snackmachine 7 months ago
I hate what it has become here. It's dangerous. It's no longer sustainable. I can't afford to live here, but I also can't afford to save to leave.
alaina66 8 months ago
Unfortunately I have to agree with both of these responses. I've been coming to Florida to visit family since I was a little kid and almost everything has changed now. I moved here for good 23 years ago when things were still great. Florida is NOT like all those glamorous, exotic and immaculate beaches that you see on postcards, travel brochures, etc. although parts of it are quite paradise like. It is insanely overcrowded, congested, loads of foreigners who are rude and do not speak English and 75% of drivers need to take their road test again because they either have road rage, old age or drive like they're blind. Plus it's become incredibly expensive. Plus, if you are not working, healthcare/insurance, especially state/government benefits s*ck ESPECIALLY dental! If you are over 21 but under 65..you're basically scr*wed!
Rob D 8 months ago (edited)
Florida's biggest problem is that the type of people who complain about "nobody speaking English and foreigners" started moving here 20-30 years ago and have turned this place redder than dog d**k since, and then complain about the lack of benefits and services.
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Jack Sonol 7 months ago
I'm a Florida native who left at 26, and literally every complaint I've ever heard about "Florida" is actually just a complaint about Miami. Including everything I read in this thread. I lived in NW Florida and it was great (few MAGA, decent local government, no overcrowding, accessible beaches, etc) except for the heat and the bugs. If you like that feeling you have while you're in a steamy bathroom after a super hot shower then move to Florida. It's always like that. If the bugs don't eat you first, you'll enjoy it. As long as you don't go to Miami.
Jim Mahony 7 months ago
Florida is HUGE. Something for everyone. I can be at a mostly empty beach in half an hour.
#16
They don’t necessarily say “beautiful” and “paradise,” but I think people grossly overestimate how “fun” it is to live in New Orleans.
velvet_blunderground:
If you love eating, drinking, and wearing costumes, that is 100% your town. It's absolutely stuffed with the best of all of that. But the wages are low, the rent is high, the streets flood all the time, it's usually either hurricane season, tourist season, or termite season, and the potholes will swallow you whole.
All that said, I moved away and have a vastly improved standard of living... but i still kinda want to move back. When it's great it's great.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I lived in New Orleans for a while. It's my favorite city in the US, by far. But I'm from Rio de Janeiro, so it felt almost homey to me. I was there before Katrina though. I've been back since, and the city changed a lot. Still wonderful, but many of the places I loved were gone.
keyboardtek 8 months ago
All I remember about that city was unbearable humidity, rusting metal railing around the restaurants, the inside of restaurants smelled of mildew from air conditioning that has never been cleaned of Legionnaires disease. Old decaying historical buildings that were poorly maintained.
Rinso The Red 8 months ago
GREAT place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Saw Mardi Gras once, it was an experience, but unless you somehow manage a 2nd floor balcony, you're experience will be very different.
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
Not sure anyone ever says it’s a great place to live. Visit? You bet, in small doses.
#17
Skye, Scotland.
Overrun with tourists.
Most locals have been priced out of housing so a lot of the island are rich folk from England .
The driving is scary with folk trying to over take camper vans at stupid times.
Camper vans doing about 20mph all round the island.
Boris Long-Johnson 8 months ago (edited)
I have friends and family on the island (I grew up in the outer Hebrides) and this is spot on. Personally I reckon Skye needs a toll back on the bridge - £40 for campers at least and £100 for motorhomes, ANPR and make it free for anyone registered in Highland council.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I have a friend from the island. He lives in India now. Not sure what that says.
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Boo 8 months ago
Aaran is the same. My daughter was placed there for her probation (teaching) and she struggled to find a place to rent for the year. The only reason she managed to find a place was because of the head teacher being friends with a local who used one of his properties as an air bnb. The housing crisis is no joke. The only way my daughters will be able to own a home is when me and hubs croaks it.
Immortal Jellyfish 8 months ago
We were chatting to someone from the local council on Skye a few years ago. They said the year before they had to open the school sports hall and use it as emergency shelter for families. All the campsites, B&Bs, hotels.........were full! This is simply poor planning form visitors. Before you think that we were adding to the problem we were visiting in January, we had a fantastic week with lovely weather however it was pretty cold.
#18
Hawaii is a beautiful place and NOT horrible to live in, but if you don't like mountains or the beach, then it is extremely expensive and many non-rich people have two jobs (mostly a regular job and then Lyft/Uber) to survive there.
But aside from the cost of living, it is in fact pretty paradise like. It's like reverse Australia ... NOTHING is trying to k**l you there (Well, aside from lava on Hawaii itself) it's so safe that chickens roam free, and you see baby chicks just hanging around not being eaten.
will_write_for_tacos:
According to a friend of mine, it's Hawaii.
The native population absolutely hates white folk (with good reason) so most of them view you as the bad guy. Food is expensive, and the selection in grocery stores sucks. It's ultra-touristy and the areas that aren't are not really friendly and welcoming places. It's difficult to meet people and make friends. The weather is nice, the views are nice, but if you're not going there for a couple's vacation, it's pretty lonely and boring.
Objective_Analysis_3:
I'm from Kauai and recently went back for a visit. Did a quick grocery shop and for giggles put the exact same products from the same store (safeway) into my local online store (WA state) and it was 45% higher in hawaii - which is why even though I was born and raised there will sadly likely never be able to live there again.
JenniB 8 months ago
I feel like everyone that talks about the cost of living on an island is missing the fact that getting products to those islands is difficult and expensive. Transporting products over the road is the cheapest but when you start to involve boats (never mind planes) that the cost goes up exponentially. My point being, no one is "punishing" those living on islands it is just truly that much more expensive to get products there. Actually the same goes here in Canada and that's over the road, the more "remote" the area you live in (far north, the prairies and far east) the prices tend to be higher because it is difficult to move products there.
Tostones 8 months ago
I don't think anyone who lives there is unaware of the cost of getting goods there. Probably a surprise when some people first move there, though. Knowing why doesn't make it easier so letting other people know about it kind of the point of the question, I believe.
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ॐBoyGanesh 8 months ago
I live on the Big Island. There is a huge difference between here & Oahu and just as huge between here & Maui or Kauai. It has a lot to do with the size. When there are few limits for housing of building homes, it makes it much cheaper. With that said, there is a wealth disparity that’s unbelievable. Because I live in the East Rift Zone of a very active volcano, it’s kinda a c**p shoot for building & insuring property. Especially to code. You’ll see a multi-million dollar vast property next to a tiny parcel with a $10K yurt. But I’d disagree with commenters that native Hawaiians hate white people. We’re all off grid out here with limited resources & have to journey for access. We make a community where wealth takes back seat. There are few tourists & the haoles who live here are ha’ole’aina. It’s literally the opposite of Oahu. Nothing like Kehei or Kapa’a
AP 8 months ago
One time I visited Hawai'i and went to a clothing store and the young native islander cashier complained about how she wanted off of this boring a** island and go live somewhere better and exciting like L.A. I nearly choked on my spit.
Lisa T 8 months ago
They mean there’s no wildlife trying to k**l you in Hawaii
Load More Replies... #19
The "cheap" parts of Mexico. I've known two couples who moved down there had a supposedly great life. Lived in a nice, fully-serviced town surrounded by barbed wire and patrolled by hired security, had money for the good hospital, had food sent in from somewhat far away, and had enough money to regularly travel elsewhere. They went three years without ever exploring the area around them, the only locals they talked to were ones hired to work in the town.
I wonder why they didn't dare go around the area.
KeepTrying 8 months ago
I’d hate to live anywhere where you need a barbed wire fence and security guards!
Lupita Nyong'heaux 8 months ago
I currently live in Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan peninsula, and I love it. The people are friendly (or at least civil), the food is great, there's plenty of stuff to do (if that's your thing), and most important, it's the safest city in Mexico, the safest in Latin America, and second only to Quebec City, Canada, in all of North America. ... I'm not sure why those people would choose to live in a place where they have to be surrounded by barbed wire when Mexico offers so many better options. But hey, to each his own, I suppose. *kanye shrug*
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I lived in Mexico City for three years. I loved it. The smog and altitude took some getting used to. But the people and food are so great. As is the music and parties.
#20
Whenever the question of "if you could live anywhere..." pops up on Reddit, the number one answer is always New Zealand.
But then the top response to New Zealand is always something like "I live here and it's expensive and the job market sucks".
neinlights90210:
I live in NZ. The job market is usually ok (outside of these crazy times) unless you have an overly niche area of expertise and want to work in that area. Unemployment is generally pretty similar to other OECD countries.
It is hella expensive. Lots of premium things, like having a whole beach to yourself, are free. Necessities like houses and clothing are insanely priced.
Because NZ punches above its weight in many areas like sports and film, that is what people see, and forget it’s an island in the middle of nowhere.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
I’ was a legal resident of NZ, but haven’t been back in a few years. It’s still beautiful and mainly unspoiled, but the current and previous conservative governments have sold it as an overwealthy enclave that speaks English. My discouragement started when it began to sell residency and citizenship
Emilu 8 months ago
As an Aussie, I have so many people telling me they moved from NZ because of prices etc. I've been to NZ myself and it's gorgeous -- and obviously I'm not saying my experience is the be all, end all -- but the fact that people are moving from NZ to Aus because of prices etc does say something IMO.
Hippopotamuses 7 months ago (edited)
As a Kiwi, I can confirm the above. But it isn't 'miserable' to live here. Actually, it's a great place to live, but expensive. Non Kiwis tend to forget that NZ is just like any other western-style country; The average house price $980,000. Gang activity can be a problem if you live in a poorer area. Large scale immigration, without investment in infrastructure, has sent rates (property taxes) through the roof. We controversially, at the moment, only have two large supermarket chains in the country. Earthquakes, cyclones, and climate change effects over the past few years have caused insurance rates to increase dramatically. Having said that. We have a crime rate below the international average (But you still have to be careful. Like everywhere else). We have social welfare, socialised medicine, public housing (with a chronic shortage), a low population in a comparatively large land mass, and pretty much unrestricted access to beaches etc..
#21
Las Vegas. I won't say it's horrible, exactly, but people always told me I was lucky to grow up there and like... yeah, it's fun to visit, I suppose, but it's not really that fun to live in. It's hot, the healthcare is the worst in the country, you don't get holidays off because you have to cater to other people who visit on *their* holidays (I never got a family Christmas or Thanksgiving growing up thanks to them), there's nothing to do unless you're an adult for the most part, etc.
ss 8 months ago
A friend has dubbed it "the ashtray of America." Also, how can you go bankrupt owning a casino??
Cee Grant 8 months ago
On my quick visit there, spouse dropped me off a few blocks from the strip; I was going to walk to the strip and check it out. In the five block walk from the random dropoff point (a mini-mall for souvenirs) I saw so much (obviously human) excrement on the curbs that I just bailed on the whole thing.
DeoManus Argentem 8 months ago
My sister moved out there from the Orlando area (where she had it great - nice big house, good job, etc) about 15 years ago, and then my parents followed her about 7 years ago from South Florida (also nice house in a great area, but retired). And they all LOVE it! Outside of the strip, it's just a normal city.
JoNo 8 months ago
I know US healthcare is abysmal in many ways, but isn't it the same across the states? And, from this post, even from city to city? Mind blown! No wonder universal healthcare is but a dream.
Rob D 8 months ago
No, not the same at all. It is unique to each state depending on if the insurer chooses to do business there. City to city... Same story, if you have insurance, but no providers around that accept it, you're out of luck.
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#22
Azerbaijan. Tourists are loving it.
-the food
-the hospitality
-tourism opportunities
-nature
One thing to bear in mind that people are actively trying to flee the corruption and nepotism infested country that does nothing but propogate nationalism and increase its own s*****e rates.
Hippopotamuses 7 months ago
I've always wanted go there. But it will probably never happen. The place sounds fantastic. Just make sure you don't even comment about, let alone criticise, the Alyiev Family, or you may be staying there for a lot longer than you were expecting.
#23
The Galápagos Islands. Visitors, tourists see the hotels and the tour guides. They also see fellow tourists. The locals working can make enough money to scrape by, but it’s not a ton.
But get five blocks off the main drag on Isabela or Santa Cruz or San Cristobal and the locals are living terribly. Shantys, terrible housing, no cars, expensive food that mostly has to be shipped in from Ecuador.
Rent a bike and just ride around and where there is tourist stuff, it’s ok. But wow, it can get poor in a hurry.
Sarah 8 months ago
The Galápagos Islands have ‘blocks’?? In 1999, I worked in a tourist site in Dublin Ireland . I was only 19. An American asked me how many blocks away was a particular museum. I didn’t even know what a block was . My colleague , older than me, in annoyed voice told her.. we don’t have them .. it’s a medieval city
WindySwede 8 months ago
this is just not same as "a couple of houses" or "the houses in between roads"? 🤷♂️
Load More Replies... Joanne Mendonza-Earle 7 months ago
I didn't know anyone lived on the Galapagos. I thought it was strictly wildlife.
#24
Big Sur.
Lived there for many years and it’s a beautiful area but brutal to live in. Between the highway constantly falling in the ocean and the fires and the tourists, it can be hell.
psychonaut1938:
Yes! I live near Big Sur and love to visit. But I would never live there. So isolated and prone to road problems. It takes a special kind of person to find happiness there on a permanent basis. I am not that kind of person.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
same - i remember having a laptop screensaver that said "big sur" on it and I was like "wth is that"
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Cerridwn d'Wyse 7 months ago
I wouldn't live again anywhere in Monterey County. It's either a tourist b******* or farmland. Not for me
#25
Cancún, paradise if you visit, hell if you live there, expensive cannot even begin to describe the insane prices of some of the services there.
BeesEelsAndPups 8 months ago
I lived in Mexico and everyone told me to avoid Cancun. I vacationed in Oaxaca instead. It's gorgeous there.
Foxglove🇮🇪 8 months ago
I've been to both, many years ago, Oaxaca is definitely nicer.
Load More Replies... Thay Cavalcante 7 months ago
Also hell if you visit. Went to a trip to Mexico and Cancun was by far the worst experience. I was harassed many times, city looks soulless, they don't even speak Spanish to us, resorts with Bad food, zero structure on the beaches. Too colonized.
Meyrin 8 months ago (edited)
Can agree, been there a few times. It's the one piece rental car is worth it because taxies are incredibly expensive. In the zona hotelera everything is with tourist pricing in mind ergo too much. However I do enjoy the nature and beauty of state of Quintana Roo and there are a few place which are worth visiting. But for living I like cooler locations so if I had to choose Chihuahua is not a bad choice.
#26
Manhattan Beach, California. It's gorgeous. It's full of cute houses and shops. There's a pier with a charming aquarium at the end. You've probably seen the pier in commercials or movies. It's in Los Angeles so you get all of the sunny days and beautiful beaches.
The people that live there are gazillionaires and they do not want normal people living in their town. Visiting and spending money? Sure. Going to school with their children and living near them? No way. They're horrid. All of the beauty in the world cannot make up for their behavior.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
I have a classmate that recently moved to where I live from Florida and they were constantly complaining about having to go to school with "regular kids". Mind you, we go to an international school so we definitely weren't poor at any rate. He's an a*****e.
Chris Harris-Smith 8 months ago
Love that tis made the list. I grew up there when it was a sleepy beach town. It has become a dystopian nightmare for the rich only. Ugly mega-mansions built on small lots, The La Mar Theater now Sketchers headquarters. Wonderful to grow up in, glad to have left and never going back.
Melvin Lafleur 8 months ago
My father bought the house in Manhattan Beach that I grew up in in 1953 for $9,300. The property is now valued at $1.8 million. All three of the schools I attended closed long ago. I haven't been there in nearly 30 years. Where I live in northern CA is like M.B. 30, 40, 50 years ago, a suburb full of tidy homes and pleasant people
#27
Fiji is one of the most impoverished places I’ve ever seen in person.
#28
Norway and Sweden. Not horrible to live in, but they're hardly the paradise they are portrayed as. Most people who say they want to live there know nothing about them.
Tangerine319:
Came here to comment this. The Nordic countries consistently rank high as the “happiest countries” but it makes no sense.
They have some of the highest cancer rates in the world, and big problems with alcoholism and s**cide. The cities, especially in Sweden suffer from crime and gang violence. They are so dark in the winter that it’s no wonder everyone is depressed.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
When they rank liveability and happiness i think its based strongly around GDP and sustainability and less on overall happiness of citizens; of course that does play a role
Hippopotamuses 7 months ago
This must be it. I've always wondered how countries which have high suīcide rates, can also rate highly in terms of happiness.
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Scott Rackley 8 months ago
Odd. I like cold. I like dark. I like people that mind their own business. When I visited I thought I had found the promised land.
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
A bunch of contextless claims using dubious anecdata to support, “it doesn’t make sense.” What do cancer rates have to do with happiness? A look at depression rates show that Scandinavians are not, on the whole, all that depressed; they aren’t as depressed as Americans, Brazilians, Russians or Australians. Gangs are becoming more of a problem but when you had hardly any problem before, any amount is going to seem like a lot. This isn’t to dismiss it or to suggest that they shouldn’t be concerned and do something about it, btw. Also, what are those happiness indices measuring? This post just reeks of “I have an axe to grind.”
Pelle Lövet 7 months ago
Sweden has become a shithole country with rampant gang violence and a crumbling welfare system because of unhinged immigration from Africa and the middle east. Sounds harsh, but it is unfortunatly the truth..
D 8 months ago
Add in the no go cities taken over by terror sympathisers and others who share none of the values that originally made these popular destinations.
The Darkest Timeline 8 months ago
Where are these “no go cities”? Cite some real evidence, not something you read on a right-wing blog or heard from someone at a party.
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#29
Kent in the UK - “garden of England” as it’s known with lots of castles, coastline, and fields. In reality, it’s dangerous, full of chavs ready to hand out d***s and/or stab you, crackheads and druggies roaming the dead high streets, and lots of places are so run down.
Auntriarch 8 months ago
Ah, I'm going there next month, looking forward to it very much. Probably won't get offered anything stronger than prosecco though, and about as likely to be stabbed as beheaded.
nicholas nolan 8 months ago
The original poster sounds like they got their whole veiw from the NRA's "news" magazine...
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John O'Donnell 8 months ago
We love a bit of hyperbole. See one person smoking a joint? It’s worse than Columbia!
Cee Cee 8 months ago
Wwll it's not The Darling Buds Of May but it certainly isn't as dangerous as the OP claims.
ArchangelLoki 8 months ago (edited)
I spend two weeks too times a year in Kent for my studies (only one more stay to go), and it's a lovely place to visit. Living there is probably a different matter, but I'm always sad to leave it. Really going to miss the place this time, because I won't have a reason to go back.
#30
Charleston, SC. Used to be a sleepier style coastal city but has become wildly popular for transplants. Unfortunately the infrastructure hasn’t (and in a lot of instances can’t) keep up. If you have to commute for work it is a wretched existence.
#31
Any caribbean island.
Once you get away from the resort/tourist area, they are mostly all hell-holes.
coffeepizzawine50:
Before you move to any Caribbean island check the crime statistics. You can have a wonderful week vacation in a place that is beautiful. But if you live there the level of theft and violence can wear you down.
#32
San diego is often considered the nicest city in the US, but growing up there was pretty s****y, because everyone who didn't have loaded parents figured out pretty early on that they would either do the homeless van life deal or figure out how to move away, because there is not much industry there and hardly any apartment complexes, just an endless sea of incredibly unaffordable SFHs. i feel like a third of my highschool class ended up being transient d**g addicts, a third moved away to cheaper areas, and a third were able to stick around by inheriting real estate.
i was lucky enough to move to france, where i could afford a nice cheap apartment on a meager wage, and the metro area was 100x cleaner, the traffic was 100x better, the people were 100x nicer, and the food was 100x better
also cloudless 75f degree weather year round gets f*****g old. little bit of rain does the soul good.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
good for u though when u compare france to san diego as 100x cleaner and nicer, i'm seriously worried about san diego lol
SlightlyTarnished 8 months ago
I've never once heard reference to San Diego as the nicest US city, best weather, yes, nicest no.
Johnnynatfan 8 months ago
I have never heard anyone say San Diego is the nicest city in the US. I have heard about the homeless people and the s****y traffic and after visiting there I can confirm that it sucks.
#33
London.
Whenever I mention I'm from the UK, "OH I'D LOVE TO GO TO LONDON." I *sigh* think to myself do they know how expensive that s**t hole is for how crazy it is.
You have beautiful sights up and down the country, lovely beaches down Cornwall ways and lovely picturesque forests and mountains in the north and yet "LANDONN".
KeepTrying 8 months ago
Born and raised in London. I moved to Sussex 20 years ago. I would never go back to London except for a visit. It’s an awful place to live unless you are mega rich.
Sarah 8 months ago
Rich or not , you still have the horrendous crowds, the traffic, and the general awfulness. Been here 11 years..
Load More Replies... L H 8 months ago
I'm British and I don't know anyone that wants to live in London. I don't even get why so many people visit it (other than the museums)
Mike F 8 months ago
Personally, I love history so that would be my reason for visiting. It would be a thrill to set my feet down in a place that has thousands of years of history and walk where many millions of feet have trod before me. I'm about 50 years too old to be fascinated by beaches and the like.
Load More Replies... John O'Donnell 8 months ago
I was born in London, and still live there. Yes it’s hideously expensive. but it’s still a great place, and despite what the media says, still a fairly safe place. London has so many more people living in it than anywhere else that the crime rate seems high, but isn’t even in the top ten in Britain. Try Liverpool or Nottingham for that.
🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago
I live London and I love it. Lots of free museums, tickets at The Globe for £5, free tickets to Graham Norton where I saw Will Smith, a filming of Alan Carr where one of his guests unexpectedly flatteringly kept picking me out of the crowd, free lectures galore at the Royal College of Surgeons, history where you know to find it, etc.
Auntriarch 8 months ago (edited)
It's pretty much the same as it ever was
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#34
Singapore. So smalll, nothing much to do. Only 1 small district has semblance of rural. Once you lived here you’d been to same place many times there’s bit much surprises. People here are competitive and keep comparing each other and so materialistic.
SlightlyTarnished 8 months ago
Lived in Singapore for 6yrs, absolutely loved it. It's like anyplace, it is what you make of it.
Ian Webling 8 months ago
My wife and I enjoy Singapore and stopover there whenever we travel to Asia. On the other hand, the longest I've stayed there is three days.
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
And it's so humid there in summer too - i've not had good exerpiences with singapore
#35
Salem MA. Everyone thinks it's so cool to visit Salem, and it's a great city sometimes. We have about 45000 residents, but between August and October have about a million visitors. The City officials play up 'Haunted Happenings' to the point where they've started doing construction just to accommodate the tourists.
Fellfromthemoon 8 months ago
I loved Salem, I lived and worked in a neighboring town in the early 2000's (for about 13 months.) Salem was in walking distance. I liked the beach, the 99 at the Bass River, the Lyceum, the Hawthorne-House, the old piers, the olde candy shoppe, the small shops, Salem Common, the Peabody Essex Museum. And yeah, the Witchmuseum was cool too, I guess.
Rinso The Red 8 months ago
That's too funny. I lived in Salem around that same time and hated it. I used to love Halloween. Only thing I can say is at least the transit system was decent.
Load More Replies... L H 8 months ago
We were road tripping around the New England states in October 2022. We hadn't planned on visiting Salem but saw the name on the highway signs so thought we'd try it. Basically drove around in a traffic jam for a couple of hours and left :D - the only place we stopped was iHop!
#36
Denver. It’s way too expensive and the coolest thing to do is go to the mountains on the weekend, which is even more expensive.
Shaggy 8 months ago
Going to the mountains on the weekend is why people move there. Denver has never been the metropolis that people make it out to be nowdays. It is a cowtown that blew up in the decades leading up to 2000 because of the mountains. Camping, hiking, heck even 4 wheeling is free basically and there are a ton of cheaper places to go up the hill... It aint Chicago/NY/Sanfran and once you realize that, you will have more fun. Denver isn't the destination, all the c**p around Denver is was and always will be the attraction.. (Lived here for 25 years)
ss 8 months ago
Not to mention at least an hour's drive away (each way) and the weekend mountain traffic is akin to a city's weekday rush hour.
Shaggy 8 months ago
Traffic up the hill is awful most of the time (getting to Dillon). Winter and summer weekends being the worst unless you are going against the flow (down in the morning and up in the afternoon). 2 - 4 + hr traffic jams at the worst. Add in snow and it gets evil...
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#37
South Lake Tahoe
It's beautiful, but absolutely overrun with tourists.
A miserable place to live.
YellojD:
South Tahoe born and raised. Came looking for specifically this.
The tourists are bad enough, but it’s been the full decimation of the local community and in favor of becoming a bedroom vacation destination for the Bay Area that really makes it miserable.
Tahoe is my home, but I cannot wait to leave it in my past.
SM 8 months ago
I remember recently seeing a picture of one of the beaches after a holiday, it was covered in trash even though there were trash cans within 50 feet. It got "press time" because of showing the local population cleaning up after the tourists. This one my common theme of "never here", if it is a tourist destination, I don't want ever to live there.
#38
Traverse City Michigan
It has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve even been to, good hiking and boating, great local agriculture, a bustling downtown, smallish town vibe.
The housing is bought up by rich retirees as second homes, locals have to live far out of town, very little housing for low wage working class. Traffic is insane in the summer with little infrastructure to support it. Very seasonal economy and long winters.
it seems like such a beautiful and nice place to live.
#39
The Dominican Republic. Almost all of it outside the resorts and capital is a third world country.
kissmychakram 8 months ago
It is many years since I was there and I hoped it had improved but I was struck by how once you left the resort (guided tour, not recommended to venture out solo) everything outside of the other resorts and the churches was abject poverty. The churches pissed me off more than the resorts to be fair, the resorts put a little money into the pockets of some of the locals and the churches seemed determined to extract that.
Albert De Peña 8 months ago
We are a third world country and that includes the capital. This country is amazing if you have money, but the corruption and impunity of the authorities is driving us crazy. Not to mention the insane traffic and the police brutality. Is a beautiful country don't get me wrong, i just hope i can't see a change before a die.
#40
Cape Cod. It's like the goddamned walking dead with all the h****n addicts.
Bi.Felicia 8 months ago
I have lived on the Cape for the majority of my life and it's definitely not like the walking dead show but with addicts instead of zombies. Yes, we have people from all walks of life, including those addicted to drûgs but that's pretty much the same as most other developed places. I didn't realize just how fortunate I was to be raised on Cape Cod until I joined the military and traveled/lived in a few different places. I hated and still do hate having to deal with the traffic and all the tourists that flock here in the summertime but I plan on living here as long as I'm able to.
#41
Cape Breton. Yes, the people are kind and it's beautiful, but it's difficult to find a job, and housing opportunities are cr*ppy.
Megan Lacey 8 months ago
One of the most beautiful places I have been to. Cabot trail is hard on car brakes 😀
#42
Bahamas... If you are not a tourist, there really isn´t much to do. And everything is waaaaay too expensive!
DanceS**:
I spent 7 days on the eastern side of Exuma Island in the Bahamas. We stayed in a house and not a resort and by the 2nd day I was bored out of my mind. There was nothing to do other than sit on the beach. Beautiful place and very relaxing, but damn - there isn't anything there!
Rosecrucian Roeth 8 months ago
That's why you go to a small Cay in the Bahamas..................to relax and get away from the World!
#43
I'd say Paris purely because of the Japanese "Paris syndrome" or whatever the name is for it where Japanese tourists expect Paris to be this flawless amazing city and then get physically sick from how it doesn't meet expectations.
David Gourbeault 8 months ago
So, it's not purely a problem of the city but rather a problem of their expectations!
urbeinghunted 25 8 months ago
No its not just the expectations, though it is a bit naive of people to continue with the fantasy of the "city of love" and stuff. But it is mostly still a Paris problem concerning a lot of the government and how messed-up the city actually is with all the crime rates etc
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Lara Verne 8 months ago
I don't think it's Japanese only problem. A lot of people from all around world romanticize Paris to the point where it's ridiculous. Like, I believe it's pretty city with lovely historic buildings, but I don't expect sunshine and rainbows and pink hearts flying around.
Noname 8 months ago
To live in Paris you need to be wealthy or young enough to not care. There are lots of great areas you can escape from the hordes of tourists that are relatively safe. I lived in Paris for a while, but moved an hours train ride outside of the city because it's gets boring quickly and made me feel claustrophobic.
#44
As someone who goes back and forth from Tokyo to Houston every other year because family... This should be obvious, but living in Tokyo is VERY DIFFERENT than what's portrayed online.
Don't get me wrong. It's not the worst, but there are a lot of cultural things to overcome along with a lot (and I mean A LOT) of paperwork because of how bureaucratic Japan is.
Chewie Baron 8 months ago
I remember being on holiday in Japan, and all the time I was in Tokyo I just had a continuous headache. It’s a great city and loads to do, but it just gave me a headache. I preferred Osaka.
#45
Lake Havasu City Az
People love to vacation there, big spring break, summer fun town.
It sucks to live in. It's blisteringly hot in the summer, and when you live there you generally aren't on the lake all day unless you're retired. trying to run a restaurant in town is ridiculous because you have a bunch of out of towners who don't know where to go, or you have the local snowbirds that want discounts on everything.
There is nothing to do if you're under 21, so everyone that grows up there either has a DUI, D**g Habbit or a Baby by the time they turn 21.
kansasmagic 8 months ago
We diverted through Lake Havasu the last time we went to Flagstaff, just to see what it was like. We happened to be in the middle of a heatwave on that trip, and it hit 115 while we were in Lake Havasu. Fortunately our hotel was right next door to the city's very nice public pool, so the kids were able to do that for a couple of hours. Otherwise, nothing to do but drive around in the heat. Also, the lake is *warm* and gross.
#46
New Mexico is beautiful but not a great place to live.
lolzzzmoon:
Lol used to live there. We used to call it the Land of Disenchantment.
Extremely beautiful & cool & I had a lot of adventures there. But lots of substance abuse & poverty & crime & just harsh attitudes.
Albuquerque is the only city where I experienced 2 hit & runs in 1 day. My car got hit overnight by someone, and then I witnessed a car get hit next to me & the guy who caused the accident took off. I pursued the driver suspect but lost him bc he got off on an exit during lots of traffic.
Kirk Littlefield 8 months ago
I grew up in NM. It was a wonderful place to ne a kid. I hope to retire there as well. In the meantime, I wouldn't live there. It's too poor and there aren't a lot of opportunities in my field. But I'll always love NM.
SM 8 months ago
I lived half of my childhood in Albuquerque (Northeast heights) and found it be a great place to grow up. But at the same time there were parts of the city you just didn't want to be in (or have visit you, like in a high school basketball game.)
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#47
Lake Tahoe It is amazingly beautiful. It's just all the people form the Bay area have made everything so expensive you can hardly afford to live there anymore. And Traffic is a f*****g nightmare from April to October/ November.
Oh and the regulations are crazy. You can't even cut down a tree on your property with out the approval of the Local Planning authority.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
Instead of ‘people from the Bay Area,’ just say global tech bro billionaires who bought their 10th mansion (that they use twice a year).
#48
Charleston, SC It is a very beautiful city. Very expensive to live closer to ocean and downtown, not many can afford. Limited public transit, infrastructure can't handle the rapid population explosion that has happened over past 20 years. Commuting 25 miles to work can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how many accidents there are. Downtown is losing all it's charm, tearing everything down and building more and more hotels that will run you 500+/night. Local businesses and restaurants can't afford to stay open, have trouble staffing due to poor wages and long commutes. Slowing becoming more and more corporatized. Some reason, it always makes the #1 city in the country by Conde Naste and other travel magazines. Pay doesn't match cost of living.
#49
I live on Martha's Vineyard, "horrible" is a stretch, but it is difficult to enjoy summer with so many tourists.
I could go on and on lol. The housing crisis is brutal here.
Tim Steil 8 months ago
If I ever hit the lotto, it's either the Vineyard or Nantucket for me. Lived on the Cape years ago and loved it.
Bi.Felicia 8 months ago
I enjoy going to the islands but I wouldn't want to necessarily live there. Always having to depend on the ferry or an airplane to go anywhere off island, especially in the winter when a good portion of the islands have shut down. I'll stick to the mainland. Where on the Cape did you live Tim?
Load More Replies... Fellfromthemoon 8 months ago
Poor OP, on Martha's Vineyard, the houses costed over a million even in 2004. There were not a single chain restaurant. That place was the refugium of the ultra rich.
#50
Utah. I’m a local but the cost of living is now super difficult due to wages vs housing. Skiing is no longer a a fun hobby due to parking restrictions and cost. National parks are clogged and traffic just gets worse around the state. I don’t plan on staying when I have kids.
Nimitz 8 months ago
I used to have to drive down to Salt Lake City every few months for work. An utterly soulless place of religious libertarianism. F*****g toll roads, billboards for religion EVERYWHERE, no plants anywhere, "mountains" smaller than most hills, and the people are bitterly conservative, racist, and homophobic. I truly hated visiting that state
#51
Seattle was the most disgusting POS city I’ve ever lived in. You can’t do anything without being accosted by homeless people, can’t get a package delivered because it will get stolen, can’t drive down the street without seeeing rows and rows of tent communities.
Ace macbeth 8 months ago
Seems op has deep seeded distaste specifically for homeless people, as if the city's affordable.....
Sue Mullen Andersen 8 months ago
I live in Seattle and am not sure when you did. Yes, there are homeless people and it has the same problems that most big cities do. However, there are great places to go and great people there. To the question of cost of living...that is outrageous!
#52
Amalfi Coast. Beautiful for a week or two. Hell if you’re actually commuting and doing normal life activities.
#53
The SF Bay Area. It's expensive as absolute hell and the value you get for your dollar just isn't there. It congested almost 100% of the time, Public Transit is on life support, and many of the destinations that made the area interesting have moved on.
As an aside, the nonsense that the far right will put on about SF and the surrounding area is c**p. All of it. But as a resident, I am tired of paying a premium for what amounts to very little.
Roberta Surprenant 8 months ago
Once upon a time, Berkeley had a strong middle-class . I know of perhaps two classmates (BHS'74) who still afford to live there.
The Chronic Insomniac 8 months ago
I was born in the Bay Area and lived there until I was 25 and then again between the ages of 35 to 39. That said, you couldn't pay me to move back there again.
#54
Mexico city!
The only liveable places are like 5 neighborhoods whete only the rich and the gentrifiers can afford.
All those post you see on Instagram they never leave 4 streets and 1 park, outside that theres so much pollution, its dangerous, so much noise, and it's so annoying when you have to be more than 90 minutes a day stuck in traffic.
#55
Scottish Highlands. Beautiful scenery, yes, but in way of parity with the rest of Scotland, VEEEERY far behind, and are always at the back of the Governments mind.
Over 200k people living in an area the size of Belgium, yet we have less than 1000 hospital beds.
Rail link hasn't been drastically upgraded since the 1980s. Main roads in and out are in dire need of dualling, but the governments dragging their feet on that as well. Resulting in a multi-hour trek to the nearest "civilisation"
Housing is near enough non existant, with everything either being sniped by people wanting a holiday home or airbnbers, and anything that does make it through isn't remotely affordable.
Basically a dump for miscreants, junkies, and paedos from Glasgow and Edinburgh because, again, government cheaping out, can't be bothered building facilities down there, so dumps them in the villages up here.
As I said, its lovely at the surface level, but as you go further down you start thinking that even deepest, darkest Zimbabwe would probably get treated better by its own government.
Skara Brae 8 months ago
For those who don't know, the word 'dualling' means to add a second, opposing lane to the roads. Not many roads are more than a single-lane, with occasional pull-outs to allow opposing cars to pass each other. Even roads heavily traveled by tourists are single lane, like this example a section of the road to Iona on the Isle of Mull. You can see a few of the pull-outs in the picture. I'm told the Highlands infrastructure budget is determined by officials in Inverness, who gets their budget from the Scottish Parliament, who gets theirs from England. https://www.google.com/maps/@56.3529523,-6.077352,359m
#56
The Oregon Coast comes to mind. It's spectacularly beautiful. I can't visit without absolutely losing myself in the beauty, but it is always damp, things are expensive, tourists get annoying, and any good hospital is going to be a long drive. The southern coast (the best part) is incredibly remote. I have family who live in Brookings, and if the highway gets closed from fires or mud slides, it can take 6 hours or more to get to a decent sized town inland. It's also mostly retirees living there, so it's pretty boring for young people.
#57
Ibiza.
Yeah, hippie-cool, having a sundowner watching the waves, s**y mood and relaxed people - my a*s!
Ibiza is f*****g cold and super-humid six months per year, nothing is in stock, everything costs a fortune, doctors and medical attention are hard to come by, all Europeans are transients, Ibizencos won't talk to you.
Donna Peluda 8 months ago
Not my experience with Ibizencos, they are warm and welcoming. Obviously in high season they are working like most tourist places but I've been in winter and people are friendly..I go to work on or two weeks a year and regularly go back to the same places and receive a warm welcome. Ill be going again in June and really looking forward to it. Ill be working but have time to catch up. The downside in Ibiza is like many of the comments her. Housing and low wages. Shantytowns are croping up, doctors, teachers won't come to work because they can't afford to rent or buy. I'm lucky because my client owns pays for my lodging. I used to stay on on my own money for a few days but now it's out of the question. The writing was on wall 25 years ago but as usual politicians have done nothing to accommodate. Most hotels have bought up property to lodge staff in the summer . Otherwise nobody wants to work there cost of living is to high.
Panda McPandaface 8 months ago (edited)
I agree with nearly that you say - the only thing I would add is that any local government job, so teachers, doctors, nurses, police etc, all have to speak Catalan as well as Castellano so they limit the talent pool that qualify. Your point about accomodation costs is spot on though.
Load More Replies... Panda McPandaface 8 months ago (edited)
I lived and worked on Ibiza for 12 years. It is only cold (that's relative anyway) for February and March, in a sheltered spot you can sunbathe in January. Yes it's hot in July and August, it's kind of supposed to be. The cost of housing really shot up after 2008 and as others have said, workers cannot afford to live there for such a short season and Summer workers are exploited. I founds the Ibicencos (yes that's how you spell it) to be lovely, generous and welcoming - as long as you make an effort and learn some Spanish, show some respect for Spanish culture, the island and them. Like most similar places, in season the most touristy areas can be hellish, but even in season, get off the beaten track and there are beautiful, quiet, tranquil spots. Not 'all Europeans are transients' though it's true the Winter population decreased as rents got out of hand. Ignore the pseudo-hippy thing and the clubs and it's still very beautiful with lovely people BUT it is expensive - it always was, but it has undoubtedly got a lot worse.
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Auntriarch 8 months ago
TLDR: everywhere has grotty bits; holidaying somewhere does not equal living there; cities gonna city.
Mimi M 7 months ago
And if you're going to move somewhere remote, have a remote job (or other source of income).
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Lisa T 8 months ago
Surprised Australia wasn’t mentioned. You can manage to avoid the killer wildlife while on vacation. Those drop bears! But living here, you get complacent, and it will be that one time you walk under a gum tree without looking above you when…..BAM! Another victory for the humble drop bear.
Kitsune Nocturne 8 months ago
This made me chuckle after an incredibly long, sleepless, and painful night. Thank you.
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T'Mar of Vulcan 8 months ago
I think a lot of the places that are mentioned as hell-holes are due to overpopulation. I mean, in the '80s there were 3 bil people in the world, now it's 7. So places are going to be chock-a-block with people.
Donna Peluda 8 months ago
A lot of theses stories boil down to the same, poor planing by local authorities and greed on behalf of the developers and investors.
Heras buddy 8 months ago
Anyplace that becomes a tourist Hotspot becomes he'll for it's residents. For those complaining about remoteness, this is what makes them beautiful. Those of you who flock to these destinations are the same ones who destroy it for the locals.
Nimitz 8 months ago
Opposite of the premise: Montreal. Moved here from Alberta 5 years ago. Amazing place! Zero regrets. Rent is still high, but slightly cheaper than AB, though finding a place to rent takes forever. Otherwise the food is amazing, the people wonderful, the public art incredible, free festivals and events all the time, amazing museums, beautiful parks, and the mountain is beautiful. If you leave a blank patch of dirt here, by the end of summer it will be full of pretty wild flowers and vines. I love this place!
Auntriarch 8 months ago
TLDR: everywhere has it's grotty bits; going somewhere on holiday is not the same as living there; cities gonna city.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
Lots of whingers and haters on here. Kinda sickening. Surprised USA didn’t make the list though. Very expensive, most dangerous ‘developed’ country (35th safest in world), terrible for women in two thirds the country, grinding poverty in about a third of it, medical care iffy, immigration/tourist visa arduous, lots of property crime, etc. Don’t visit w/o good and US recognized medical insurance and property insurance. If you’re a woman of childbearing age be prepared for lots of border questions. Don’t visit if you’re pregnant as you might get rejected for entry. Some have even been asked when their last period was.
Mike F 8 months ago (edited)
Wow, it seems like you are a bitter person all the way around. No matter where you go there's going to be good and bad and folks typically find what they seek. No place is a panacea so for heaven sake, if you don't like it avoid it. 🤷
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 8 months ago
TLDR: everywhere has grotty bits; holidaying somewhere does not equal living there; cities gonna city.
Mimi M 7 months ago
And if you're going to move somewhere remote, have a remote job (or other source of income).
Load More Replies... Lisa T 8 months ago
Surprised Australia wasn’t mentioned. You can manage to avoid the killer wildlife while on vacation. Those drop bears! But living here, you get complacent, and it will be that one time you walk under a gum tree without looking above you when…..BAM! Another victory for the humble drop bear.
Kitsune Nocturne 8 months ago
This made me chuckle after an incredibly long, sleepless, and painful night. Thank you.
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 8 months ago
I think a lot of the places that are mentioned as hell-holes are due to overpopulation. I mean, in the '80s there were 3 bil people in the world, now it's 7. So places are going to be chock-a-block with people.
Donna Peluda 8 months ago
A lot of theses stories boil down to the same, poor planing by local authorities and greed on behalf of the developers and investors.
Heras buddy 8 months ago
Anyplace that becomes a tourist Hotspot becomes he'll for it's residents. For those complaining about remoteness, this is what makes them beautiful. Those of you who flock to these destinations are the same ones who destroy it for the locals.
Nimitz 8 months ago
Opposite of the premise: Montreal. Moved here from Alberta 5 years ago. Amazing place! Zero regrets. Rent is still high, but slightly cheaper than AB, though finding a place to rent takes forever. Otherwise the food is amazing, the people wonderful, the public art incredible, free festivals and events all the time, amazing museums, beautiful parks, and the mountain is beautiful. If you leave a blank patch of dirt here, by the end of summer it will be full of pretty wild flowers and vines. I love this place!
Auntriarch 8 months ago
TLDR: everywhere has it's grotty bits; going somewhere on holiday is not the same as living there; cities gonna city.
Nils Skirnir 8 months ago
Lots of whingers and haters on here. Kinda sickening. Surprised USA didn’t make the list though. Very expensive, most dangerous ‘developed’ country (35th safest in world), terrible for women in two thirds the country, grinding poverty in about a third of it, medical care iffy, immigration/tourist visa arduous, lots of property crime, etc. Don’t visit w/o good and US recognized medical insurance and property insurance. If you’re a woman of childbearing age be prepared for lots of border questions. Don’t visit if you’re pregnant as you might get rejected for entry. Some have even been asked when their last period was.
Mike F 8 months ago (edited)
Wow, it seems like you are a bitter person all the way around. No matter where you go there's going to be good and bad and folks typically find what they seek. No place is a panacea so for heaven sake, if you don't like it avoid it. 🤷
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