First Miami was named America’s vainest city, and now it’s apparently also its most miserable. Forbes compiled a list of the 20 most miserable cities in the U.S., examining 200 of the country’s largest metro areas.
The magazine’s methodology included looking at factors like violent crime, underemployment rates, foreclosures, taxes, home prices and political corruption. It also took quality of life into consideration, looking at commute times, weather and, yes, how well the area’s professional sports teams fared.
(MORE: America’s Rudest Cities)
Miami took the top spot largely because of its foreclosure crisis and “47% of homeowners sitting on underwater mortgages.” Forbes didn’t take account for hometown narcissism, so whether that’s a part of the problem is unknown.
Miami was followed by Detroit and Flint, Mich., citing sunken home prices (down 54% in the past three years in Detroit), crime and general city inefficiencies.
Sunny California makes a big showing, with eight cities appearing on the list. Sacramento is ranked No. 5, and Forbes looks to the possibility of its only sports team (the Sacramento Kings) possibly moving to Anaheim as a factor. For some reason, we don’t think they’d be missed.
For all of Forbes’ efforts to compile the unhappiest, “most miserable,” and happiest cities in America, its methodology feels uneven. Somehow, while being the most miserable city, Miami is simultaneously the happiest city to work in. So while you may get kicked out of your home, at least you’ll love your job.