Sometimes you’re looking for a vacation where you won’t have to apologize to every local for taking up their space.
Business Insider has conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people in America to uncover the rudest cities in the nation. Many cities that made the list may not surprise you – but some will.
Here’s a look at the ten rudest cities in America (with the highest-ranked revealed last) and why they snag a spot on this unsavory list.
San Francisco, California
The city by the bay is thought to be the rudest city in America by 9.8% of respondents – and the flourishing bicycle scene may be to blame.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on bicyclists in the area:
“At breakneck speeds, they careen down Alexander Avenue and enter the Hurricane Gulch neighborhood like an invading army.”
Apparently, cyclists don’t stop there. They’ve been known to yell at tourists when they get in their way, creating a pretty hostile environment for visitors.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nearly 10% of respondents believe Philadelphians are the rudest in the United States.
Those from the historic state are known to be a passionate bunch – whether it’s their “pies,” cheesesteaks, or beloved Eagles, their city pride is hard to match.
Philadelphia Magazine had an entire piece on the rude things Eagles fans have done over the years, including engaging in 60 fistfights during a single game.
You don’t want to get in the middle of that quarrel!
Baltimore, Maryland
Just over 11% of respondents found Baltimore to be a rude brood. Big government has had a long-standing influence over the rundown city, contributing to a society of entitlement.
Trillions of dollars were spent fighting the War on Poverty according to US News, but after 50 years, Baltimore has become a beacon to the failures of welfare programs.
With homelessness, poverty, and crime running rampant, Baltimore is not the friendliest area to take the family for a memorable getaway.
Buffalo, New York
Running neck-and-neck with Baltimore is Buffalo, New York.
Back in 2017, conservative Robert Spencer was scheduled to speak at the University of Buffalo, but was greeted by a liberal mob who shut him down, according to Business Insider.
Any city that’s set on being accepting to those only within their echo chamber is probably not the environment you want to spend your precious time away from home.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is a hectic metropolis where crime is rampant, but it’s also a city that still attracts tourists with their famous pizza, art, and businesses.
A busy city means people with a busy schedule – so much so that they think tourists get in their way.
This year, one woman made headlines when she tazed a McDonald’s employee who was taking too long with her food, reports Fox News.
Boston, Massachusetts
Nearly 15% of respondents thought Boston should win the rudest inhabitants contest.
The ‘Athens of America,’ as Boston is surprisingly called by some, is considered a region drenched in “hipsters.”
These are individuals who find it appealing to only be interested in things that aren’t popular—except when it comes to politics, then they hop on the progressive bandwagon.
And according to the Boston Herald, locals are infamous connoisseurs of the “chat and cut,” where you chat-up someone in line with the intention of cutting ahead.
How rude!
Chicago, Illinois
Taking a big jump up, Chicago is thought to have the rudest inhabitants by almost 19% of respondents.
Apparently, this is not a new concept. Back in 1985, the Chicago Tribune reported that rudeness in the city was “chronic, thoughtless, and utterly pervasive.”
The city’s brash and proud personality appropriately places them near the top of the rudest cities in America.
3. Washington D.C.
Here in the nation’s capital you’ll bear witness to some of the most influential structures in the world like the White House and Washington Monument.
And a whopping 18.9% of respondents find Washington to have the rudest inhabitants.
It’s been said not to discuss politics or religion at the dinner table, but these are two subjects of prominence in D.C.
If you find blunt conversation and forbidden topics to be rude or uncomfortable, then this city is not going to be what you’re looking for.
Los Angeles, California
The University of Southern California reports that 3.5 million residents in Los Angeles are immigrants, which makes up about 35% of the population.
English is not the first language for most of them and language barriers can often be misinterpreted as rude.
Nearly 20% of respondents found those residing in L.A. to be rude.
And according to Carrie Hetzel, the principal of Paradise Canyon Elementary School, student crossing guards quit regularly because of the constant verbal abuse hurled by parents.
New York, New York
Making the top of the list of rudest inhabitants in the U.S. is New York, New York.
Are we surprised? Not in the least.
New York is a notoriously tough city where hard work, success, and failure are all the norm.
And with Governor Cuomo turning his back on children in the womb and attempting to dictate individual freedoms, it’s hard to feel the love.
But it will take more than a city full of unfriendly folks to deter world travelers from the Big Apple.
Coincidently, every one of the top ten rudest cities in the nation are currently run by liberal governors whose goal is to make their city, not its individuals, profitable.
The respected Conde Nast Traveler’s 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards announced Charleston, South Carolina as the friendliest city in the United States – and run by Republican Governor Henry McMaster.
While rude encounters can happen anywhere and can be highly subjective, we do get an idea of what to expect if we decide to visit one of these cities.
Please let us know in the comments if you were ever treated rudely in one of these cities.
