Ranked: The Rudest Cities In The US According To Americans

Traveling through the US offers up a host of experiences, thanks to the vast differences that come with taking a trip to each state. What about when those memories aren’t the best? Sometimes, those around you can really make or break a trip.

Sadly, the rudest cities in the US according to Americans might not be the ones people are adding to the top of their bucket lists. Even if they are, you might want to brush up on hiding your reactions before a trip to the city if you don’t want to leave too upset.

30. Providence, Rhode Island: Having prestigious universities mean many have an opinion to share

• Size of City: 20.5 square miles
• Population: 194, 801

Being one of the oldest cities in the US means that Providence, Rhode Island, has always been at the top of plenty of wish lists when it comes to seeing what the US has to offer. Of course, this is helped by the fact the city also has the famous Brown University and the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design.

Sadly, these might also be two things that hold the city back. Having so many people who all appear to know a thing or two hundred about just about anything means many in Providence aren’t afraid to share their opinion. It seems plenty have had enough of their ways, with some even calling locals “bookishly aloof” as a result.

29. San Diego, California: Welcoming so many tourists isn't everyone's favorite hobby in San Diego

• Size of City: 372 square miles
• Population: 1.4 million

California is home to some of the most impressive cities the US has to offer, and San Diego is no different. Known for being home to some of the best surf-friendly beaches in the state, tourists often make their way to the likes of Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum after a morning on the waves.

The weather is almost always incredible, but it seems that's not enough to put a smile on the locals' faces. While tourists love the city, it appears that locals might have had enough of people coming to visit. At least, the vibe they often give off makes it feel that way, earning San Diego a reputation for its rudeness.

28. Salt Lake City, Utah: The city sees thousands of tourists visit each year

• Size of City: 110 square miles
• Population: 203,707

Salt Lake City is a hugely famous city in America, thanks to its ties to religion, nature, and everyone’s favorite - albeit cold - pastime: skiing. Many people travel to this city to check out the likes of Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol Building, Millcreek Canyon, and so much more. Still, they might not receive the warmest of welcomes.

Having so many people visit the state means that plenty have an opinion about what people in the city are like. While people living in Salt Lake City might contest the reputation they are rude, several other people across the US would stick to their opinion. It’s a reputation that’s tough to shake - but it can be done.

27. New Haven, Connecticut: Having an Ivy League school has left some visitors unhappy with New Haven locals

• Size of City: 20.1 square miles
• Population: 135,295

Having such a small area doesn’t mean New Haven in Connecticut lacks things to do - or things to be proud of. That’s because the city is home to none other than the Ivy League school Yale University. It’s quite the thing to brag about, but it does mean some people have been left with a sour taste in their mouths.

It appears a common theme with the rudest cities in the US might be that places with famous universities tend to have a bad reputation. Of course, it usually takes someone special to get into these kinds of establishments, with many viewing themselves above the rest. The problem? It’s something many tourists have noticed over the years.

26. San Francisco, California: Plenty of tourists might get in the way of the busy business people in San Francisco

• Size of City: 232 square miles
• Population: 894,584

When many of us think of California, there's a good chance that San Francisco comes to mind. After all, it has some of the most recognizable landmarks in the US, with millions of people wanting to check them out for themselves. That doesn't mean a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge is a simple one.

San Francisco is also a hub of activity, especially when it comes to startups and tech businesses. This means the city is filled with business people who just want to go about their business and not be interrupted by tourists. The twist? Business people aren't always known to be the friendliest bunch - and many think it shows.

25. Anchorage, Alaska: Being so large means residents of Anchorage are used to a quieter life

• Size of City: 1,706 square miles
• Population: 291,073

Covering such a large area and having one of the smaller populations is just one of the many perks of living in Anchorage, Alaska. Of course, much of the city is covered with or surrounded by mountains, another huge draw to the area, as people want to take in the incredible snow-capped mountains and wildlife living in the city.

It also means that people living in Anchorage are typically used to a much quieter life, something that doesn’t necessarily sit well with the locals when tourists come to pay a visit. Getting stuck in their ways is a reputation that’s followed Anchorage residents for years, with many trying hard to shake their rude reputation.

24. Wilmington, Delaware: Wilmington attracts plenty of outsiders thanks to the many things to see

• Size of City: 17 square miles
• Population: 74,039

Being the largest city in Delaware might mean it’s little surprise that the city of Wilmington has earned quite a reputation for itself over the years. Things aren’t all bad. In fact, the reputation that follows the city is both positive and negative, so it has at least struck a balance, but it all comes down to what’s on offer.

Wilmington is filled with so many things to see, including various zoos, galleries, museums, and state parks. This is where things start to get tricky, as many tourists want to see them all for themselves each year. It appears many living in the city aren’t too fond of people coming to visit, giving off the wrong impression without realizing it.

23. Dallas, Texas: Southern charm might have missed Dallas at some point

• Size of City: 386 square miles
• Population: 1.3 million

Texas and southern charm go hand in hand, right? While that might be the thought that so many people outside of the state have, not everyone who has paid Texas a visit would agree, especially when it comes to Dallas. Still, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming known as one of the coolest cities in the state.

The perfect blend between old-timey charm and up-and-coming adventures means there is so much to take in. Still, some have accused the people of Dallas of being a little stuck in their ways and not so welcoming to outsiders. The result? The feeling that Dallas might need a reminder of what it means to have southern hospitality.

22. Cincinnati, Ohio: A distrust of outsiders doesn’t help Cincinnati’s reputation for being rude

• Size of City: 79.5 square miles
• Population: 313,028

There are plenty of things that go into making somewhere one of the rudest cities in the US. Studies often use the number of cuss words used toward customer service reps, the average tip left, the rudest drivers, and how the rest of the nation perceives the city. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Ohio, it doesn’t rank well.

While it might not be the rudest city of them all, Cincinnati has earned quite the reputation among the rest of the US, as people here seem less than impressed with tourists coming to check out all the incredible museums on offer. Still, a lot of it might come down to the locals’ distrust of people outside of the city.

21. Baltimore, Maryland: Customer service reps don’t sit well with everyone outside of Baltimore

• Size of City: 92 square miles
• Population: 575,133

If you find yourself singing a rendition of ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ from the musical ‘Hairspray,’ you’re not alone. The problem? If you do this in the city, you might not be met with the best response. People across the US all have their own reasons for thinking the city is rude, with many focusing on customer service reps.

These might not be the only issue for the city, with even some Baltimore locals offering up their own reasons for the rudeness. It’s common for people in the city to only associate with members of their own family and social circles - and get them all involved when they have a problem with someone else.

20. Portland, Oregon: Being one of the quirkier cities means plenty have an issue with Portland

• Size of City: 145 square miles
• Population: 673,122

If you’ve ever taken a trip to Portland, Oregon, you might have noticed “Keep Portland Weird” plastered just about everywhere you look - and it’s an unofficial motto that people in the city have taken seriously since it was introduced in 2003. Being one of the quirkiest cities has attracted plenty of matching characters over the years.

From hipster hotspots to bookstores and coffee shops and everything in between, Portland is one of the more laid-back cities in the US. Sadly, this isn’t to everyone’s tastes. Although it might not be intentional, so many locals having their heads in the clouds means visitors often think Portland locals are ignoring them and being rude.

19. Miami, Florida: Miami is filled with the rich and famous bringing the politeness down

• Size of City: 36 square miles
• Population: 455,075

Have you ever been to Miami? If you have, there’s a high chance that you may have bumped into your favorite movie star or sat in a restaurant across from your favorite pop star. That’s because this beach-side city is a playground for the rich and famous – and this seems to be why it’s considered rude.

While visitors love the fact that this city is absolutely gorgeous with its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and vibrant architecture, the wealthy residents are often considered to be the ones who might need an update on manners. With celebrities often come pushy drivers, intense security guards, and extremely loud parties that could be resented by everyday locals.

18. Atlanta, Georgia: The service industry appears to be visitors’ biggest issue with Atlanta

• Size of City: 134 square miles
• Population: 522,328

Being a part of the South doesn’t necessarily mean that someone’s going to stick to the hospitality that so many across the US have come to expect from the region. Sadly, the same can be said for Atlanta, Georgia, which is quickly becoming known as one of the rudest cities across the nation for several reasons.

The biggest issues many tourists appear to have with Atlanta are the people working in restaurants and the entertainment industry. While the customer might always be right, the nightclub scene doesn’t do much to help Atlanta to shake its bad reputation. All in all, the beautiful state is quickly losing its charm for many tourists.

17. Santa Fe, New Mexico: The older generation might be the ones bringing Santa Fe’s rudeness to life

• Size of City: 52.3 square miles
• Population: 158,018

Want somewhere where being passive-aggressive might be most people’s hobbies? It could be time to head to Santa Fe. At least, that’s why plenty of people have been left feeling after a trip to New Mexico’s capital city. The city is surrounded by some incredible views and amazing architecture that brings the streets to life.

Still, it can be tough to avoid the rudeness that appears to plague so many residents. Several people have accused the older generation of being a little more than entitled, with complaints and requests to see the manager a pretty common sight in some areas. All in all, the live and let live mentality is often strong in Santa Fe.

16. Los Angeles, California: A view of being above others has left some upset with Los Angeles residents

• Size of City: 469 square miles
• Population: 3.9 million

A trip to the US often means something different to everyone, with plenty wanting to see where the rich and famous have made their names. That’s right; we’re talking about Los Angeles. The City of Angels sees millions of people take it all in each year, with plenty wanting to check out the famous landmarks on offer.

Sadly, the countless celebrities who call the city home might be what’s seen Los Angeles become known as one of the rudest cities in the US. The beauty and charm of the city are still alive, but the feeling that some view themselves above everyone else - even those who aren’t household names - can be a little much for some.

15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The rudeness levels might be down to how people in Philadelphia are often raised

• Size of City: 143 square miles
• Population: 1.6 million

There are always two sides to every coin. Just because plenty of other people across the US view Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as one of the rudest cities doesn’t mean that it’s all deliberate. Plenty of visitors have accused those living in the city of focusing on nothing but themselves, with everyone else feeling like they’re in the way.

However, several locals have rebutted this with arguments that the City of Brotherly Love isn’t lacking that emotion; it’s just about how people in Philadelphia are often raised. According to some, they are told to stick in their own lane and not worry about others around them in a busy city, leaving people to think they’re rude.

14. Chicago, Illinois: Being blunt appears to be a part of living in Chicago

• Size of City: 235 square miles
• Population: 2.8 million

Sometimes, it's not about the people living in a city but purely the sheer number of people who call a place home. That might be the case for Chicago, Illinois. Of course, being 235 square miles means that it's a pretty big city, but it also has almost 3 million residents all tucked away inside.

Then comes the way people in cities have often lived their lives. Like plenty of other big cities in the world, those in Chicago usually have somewhere to go and things to do. This doesn't necessarily mean they are being intentionally rude, but many in Chicago confess they are known for being blunt and telling things how they are.

13. Newark, New Jersey: Newark was once voted the least-friendly city on the planet

• Size of City: 25.9 square miles
• Population: 321,872

Just a stone’s throw away from New York City, Newark has become increasingly popular with tourists and locals alike over the years. Of course, many people still associate it with the nearby airport that serves the Big Apple, so maybe Newark natives are resentful of always playing second fiddle to the more popular and famous big sister?

Not only is Newark considered to be one of the rudest cities in the US, but Conde Nast Travelers’ readers voted it as the least-friendly city on the planet back in 2013. While it has since made waves and improved, it’s hard to shake such a negative reputation that’s been with a place for so many years.

12. Bloomington, Indiana: Several factors might make Bloomington one of the rudest cities in the US

• Size of City: 23.4 square miles
• Population: 78,796

The idea of a city vacation isn’t up everyone’s alley, but there’s something about Bloomington in Indiana that’s been enough to change plenty of people’s minds. It’s been a popular travel destination for years, especially as it’s one of the smaller cities by size in the nation, but not everyone is ready to take it all in.

Bloomington has recently been earning a new reputation, with many calling it one of the rudest cities in the US. The lack of high-paying jobs, cost of housing, and the lack of service industry when schools go on break have all seen the city’s reputation take a hit, with FourSquare naming it the fourth-rudest city in the world in 2011.

11. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Several people meeting in the state has led to conflict in Colorado Springs

• Size of City: 195 square miles
• Population: 497,720

If you picture Colorado, there's a good chance the Rocky Mountains might come to mind. They make up such a large portion of the state and offer some of the most incredible sites the world has ever seen. Still, a trip to Colorado Springs might not be the fairytale moment that people picture in their heads.

Why is Colorado Springs thought to be one of the rudest cities in the US? One of the main reasons might be how the state is a sort of crossroads, with businesses and cultures meeting in the state's lines. The problem? There's almost no chance of everyone getting along, meaning it usually doesn't take long for things to heat up.

10. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona: They might be separate, but the two cities combine into one rude area

• Size of City: 518 square miles (Phoenix); 185 square miles (Scottsdale)
• Population: 1.7 million (Phoenix); 248,555 (Scottsdale)

Of course, Phoenix and Scottsdale are two separate cities, with the former dwarfing the latter in terms of both size and population. However, sharing a border means it’s common for people to jump between the two - and find out that both are considered to be some of the ruder places to visit in the US.

Why is Phoenix so rude? That might be due to the lack of respect for people and their time that has often been argued from within the city. Why is Scottsdale so rude? Residents with higher-than-average incomes have been accused of being pretentious and arrogant. Combine the two, and you have a storm waiting to happen.

9. El Paso, Texas: A supposed lack of things to do might come across as rudeness

• Size of City: 259 square miles
• Population: 687,722

Located within the largest state in the US, El Paso has certainly built up a reputation for itself over the years. With amazing natural wonders, it’s fair to say it offers some incredible views. While El Paso is known for being a place of beauty, it seems as though the locals aren’t exactly considered to be beautiful on the inside.

FourSquare once named El Paso the second-rudest city in the world back in 2011, but why? A lot of people who have experienced the city put it down to locals constantly complaining there is nothing to do in the city, while others allegedly have issues with the way people drive their cars around El Paso.

8. New York City, New York: So many people in such a small area doesn’t help New York’s rudeness levels

• Size of City: 300 square miles
• Population: 9 million

One of the most famous cities in the world is arguably New York City. With so much to see and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world, there are plenty of reasons to take a trip to the Big Apple. Unfortunately, not everyone has been left with the best memories of the shining lights and towering buildings.

For one, NYC is home to the most expensive place to live in the US: Manhattan. Having 9 million people crammed into 300 square miles also doesn’t help, with people often tripping over one another. To make matters worse, New Yorkers are often in a hurry to get things done, meaning there’s little time for small talk here.

7. Seattle, Washington: The unfriendliness of Seattle locals has earned the nickname the Seattle Freeze

• Size of City: 84 square miles
• Population: 775,523

Seattle, Washington, is a city that’s grabbed so many and is one of the US’s fastest-growing cities. While it’s known for its luscious forests and mountain ranges, the Seattle Freeze is all too real. What is it? That would be the frosty reception people often get from the locals, with many claiming those in Seattle are ruder than most.

The booming tech industry that’s seen so many people move to Seattle has been blamed as one of the biggest reasons for the Seattle Freeze, with people more interested in themselves and their agenda than others. The deep Scandinavian roots - people often known for their bluntness - also don’t help matters, something many have forgotten over the years.

6. Washington, D.C.: A combination of tourists and locals might be what makes Washington, D.C. so rude

• Size of City: 68 square miles
• Population: 715,891

It comes to something when it’s the locals and tourists who help to make a place so rude, with many thinking it’s a combination of the both that have hurt Washington, D.C.’s reputation throughout the years. People living in the city are often called ruthless as they want to get ahead in their high-profile careers.

Then there are the tourists. Although it might be more to do with their lack of knowledge instead of intentional rudeness, getting in the way of people trying to live their lives and doing anything to get some photos of those famous landmarks has rubbed plenty of people up the wrong way. All in all, it’s not a good combination.

5. Detroit, Michigan: A city filled with high crime rates have led some people to come across as rude

• Size of City: 143 square miles
• Population: 616,710

Being the largest city in Michigan might mean it’s less of a surprise that Detroit is also home to over 600,000 residents. The sad part? Many have earned a reputation for being some of the rudest people in the US, with many stating visitors need a thick skin before they even think about a trip to the city.

One of the biggest reasons people consider those in Detroit to be so rude is how they’re used to dealing with issues on the street. Coming with so much crime compared to other large cities means people often have to keep their wits about them, resulting in many visitors to Detroit thinking they are being nothing more than rude.

4. Orlando, Florida: Being the home of Disney World doesn’t mean everyone in Orlando is happy

• Size of City: 110 square miles
• Population: 328,354

Walt Disney World is meant to be one of the happiest places on Earth and the place where dreams come true for people of all ages. How can it be that the rest of the city is filled with so many rude people? While the inside of the park is filled with wonder, not everyone is happy that Disney exists.

In fact, it’s the huge influx of tourists every year that appears to have rubbed so many locals up the wrong way throughout the years. As Disney continues to get larger and more popular, things for those in Orlando continue to get worse. Sadly, a trip to the magical theme park might not be so great when you leave.

3. Charlotte, North Carolina: The traffic might be the largest thing to blame in Charlotte

• Size of City: 309 square miles
• Population: 917,527

There are so many reasons that areas have earned a reputation for being rude. For Charlotte in North Carolina, it appears that things get so bad when they get behind the wheel of a car. At least, that’s what people who have an issue with the city have revealed. However, it might not all be Charlotte locals to blame.

The city is home to plenty of people looking to make a new life for themselves, which has resulted in a population of almost 1 million. With so many people on the roads and traffic becoming more and more of an issue, plenty of Charlotte locals are left feeling less than polite by the time they have an interaction.

2. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Being a laid-back city doesn’t sit well with all visitors to Ann Arbor

• Size of City: 29 square miles
• Population: 126,827

Just because someone has a high education doesn’t mean that they have learned how to have manners. Sadly, that might be the case when it comes to Ann Arbor in Michigan. Some tourists have noticed that people living in the city tend to have pretty high education and often think they are above everyone else.

Still, there is another side to it all. Being so open to change and following the latest trends has seen many describe Ann Arbor as “notably hip and intelligent.” It appears the city might not be to everyone’s tastes, especially as Ann Arbor has been described as being one of the more laid-back places to visit in the US.

1. Boston, Massachusetts: A lack of manners might make Boston the rudest city in the US

• Size of City: 48.5 square miles
• Population: 693,062

The largest city in Massachusetts and the capital of the state? That’s right; we’re talking about Boston. The historic city is filled with so much to see and do, including plenty of museums and galleries. As if that wasn’t enough, Boston is also a stone’s throw away from Harvard University, meaning there are plenty of well-educated individuals.

Sadly, personalities that have been described as being as cold as Boston’s winters have seen the locals earn one of the worst reputations when it comes to rudeness. A lack of manners and being paranoid about dealing with strangers have all been hurled in Boston’s direction, resulting in it possibly being the rudest US city of them all.