Written by
Hunter Robinson
Choosing a city is about more than skyline photos and catchy slogans. Daily life comes down to safety, affordability, access to healthcare, school quality, commute stress, and how well a city maintains parks, streets, and basic services. The cities below consistently land near the bottom of 2025 quality-of-life studies when multiple factors are weighed together. Many are working hard on renewal, but residents still feel the strain in day-to-day routines. Use this list to understand the pressure points before you plan a move or a long stay.
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