The ranking of the top 20 worst places to live in New York by Money Inc. in 2023, as reported by 1045theteam.com, reveals a diverse array of challenges and concerns across different cities and towns in the state. Each location, while facing certain issues, also possesses unique characteristics and attractions that contribute to its identity. Here’s an overview of these places, highlighting both their challenges and redeeming qualities:
- Monticello: Known for having the highest unemployment rate in New York at 10.8%, Monticello’s economic struggles are significant. However, crime is not a major concern in the area.
- Rochester: Rochester faces high crime rates and a lack of employment opportunities, with 10.2% unemployment. Despite these issues, the city’s public schools are rated above average.
- Lockport: Economic challenges are prominent in Lockport, with an unemployment rate of 16.7%. The city also struggles with relatively high crime rates.
- Newburgh: Newburgh grapples with safety concerns and an unemployment rate of 6.6%. Violent crime, in particular, is a significant issue.
- Utica: Safety concerns and a higher-than-average unemployment rate of 8.2% mark Utica’s challenges. The city has the cheapest houses in a 300-mile radius, indicating low housing demand.
- Poughkeepsie: Poughkeepsie faces significant economic problems, with 19.4% of its population living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate of 9.4%.
- Binghamton: As the most dangerous place in New York, Binghamton also struggles with a high unemployment rate of 10.4%. However, the city is known for its above-average schools and diverse community.
- Endicott: Endicott, a village in Broome County, has low median home values and household incomes, reflecting economic challenges.
- Brockport: While Brockport has highly-rated schools and a diverse community, over a quarter of its population lives below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate is 8.8%.
- Syracuse: Syracuse is noted for high crime rates, especially violent crimes, and a poverty rate of 31%.
- Schenectady: Schenectady has a significant disparity between property crimes and violent crimes, with the latter being a major concern. The city also faces challenges in terms of job diversity and school performance.
- Watertown: Watertown is the fifth-most dangerous place in New York, with poorly rated schools and limited job opportunities. However, the city offers a vibrant nightlife and a reasonable cost of living.
- Wappingers Falls: Despite low crime rates, Wappingers Falls faces problems with employment opportunities and high living costs relative to median household incomes.
- Buffalo: Buffalo, the third-most dangerous city in New York, struggles with crime and below-average public school performance. Yet, the city offers numerous entertainment and leisure options.
- Albion: Albion faces economic issues with low median home values and limited job opportunities, but it boasts decent schools and leisure activities.
- Monroe: High violent crime rates and living costs are concerns in Monroe, although it has highly-rated public schools and family-oriented activities.
- Jamestown: Jamestown’s high crime rates and weak job market contrast with its great public schools and family-friendly environment.
- Niagara Falls: Known for its high crime rates, Niagara Falls also offers good leisure options and above-average schools.
- Goshen: Goshen’s high cost of living and issues with health insurance affordability are offset by attractions like the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame.
- Gloversville: Gloversville residents face high crime rates and underfunded public schools, but the city offers attractions like the Fulton County Museum and Adirondack Animal Land.
This list underscores the complexity and diversity of challenges faced by different regions in New York. While economic, safety, and educational concerns are prevalent, each location also possesses attributes that contribute positively to the community’s fabric.