When it comes to purchasing a home, many purchasers prioritize pricing. However, purchasing a low-cost property in a location with high crime rates or bad living conditions may result in hidden expenses that outweigh the savings. The decision should be based on safety, quality of life, and possible resale value. Here are seven cities in the United States where purchasing a property may not be the greatest option, no matter how reasonable it appears.
1. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City may be famed for its jazz tradition and world-famous barbecue, but it is also becoming known as one of the most violent towns in the United States. The city routinely has high violent crime rates, including homicides, which are more than four times the national average.
Shootings, severe assaults, and robberies occur often in neighborhoods such as the East Side and areas of Northeast Kansas City. While Kansas City’s central area has been revitalized, many residential districts continue to have high crime rates, making them unsuitable for prospective homeowners. If you’re thinking about buying an investment property, safety issues can have an impact on property values and make it difficult to attract tenants.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee has beautiful vistas of Lake Michigan and a long brewing heritage, but the city also battles with poverty, crime, and inadequate infrastructure. Milwaukee’s violent crime rate is much higher than the national average, and carjackings have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Gang activity and drug-related violence have escalated, particularly on the city’s North Side. Schools in some neighborhoods have struggled with finances, and public safety resources are frequently pushed thin. Buying a home in these places may be a low-cost option, but the possible risks and lack of community investment make it an unwise decision.
3. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, sometimes known as “The Forest City,” has struggled economically in recent decades. The city’s crime rate is shockingly high, with violent crimes like assault, robbery, and homicide occurring at almost three times the national average.
Areas such as Central and Kinsman have exceptionally high crime rates, and abandoned homes are frequent, reflecting years of population decrease and economic hardship. While some districts of Cleveland, such as Ohio City and Tremont, are being gentrified, many others remain plagued by violence and poverty, making them less enticing to potential buyers.
4. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas’ capital, is widely regarded as the state’s cultural and historical center. However, it has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country for its size. Homicides, robberies, and assaults are common in neighborhoods such as Southwest Little Rock.
The city has faced gang-related violence and a dearth of economic possibilities in some sections. While housing prices may be appealingly low, the possibility of property crime and safety issues make it a difficult sell for many prospective purchasers. Furthermore, families may find the local educational systems deficient in resources and quality, which reduces the appeal of moving in Little Rock.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has a strong musical heritage and attractions such as Graceland and Beale Street, but it is also a city with serious criminal problems. Memphis has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States, with violent crime rates roughly five times the national average.
Frayser, South Memphis, and Orange Mound are particularly known for high crime rates, which include gang violence, auto theft, and house invasions. Aside from safety concerns, Memphis’ public school system has long struggled with financial and performance issues. These concerns can dissuade both families and investors, turning even the most modest homes into dangerous investments.
6. Saint Louis, Missouri
Although not as prominent on our list as Kthe ansas location, Missouri, St. Louis is another location where crime rates should cause concern among potential homeowners. St. Louis is routinely ranked as one of the top cities in the United States for killings per capita, with communities like North St. Louis bearing the brunt of the violence.
Residents confront additional issues due to blighted houses and underfunding in schools. Although the city has made efforts to rebuild specific districts, such as the Central West End and downtown, many parts of St. Louis remain high risk for crime and have received little infrastructure investment. Buying a property here may seem like a good deal at first, but the long-term costs may exceed the benefits.
7. Detroit, Michigan
In recent decades, Detroit has served as a poster child for urban decline. While the city has improved in recent years, thanks to redevelopment efforts and an infusion of young professionals, many sections continue to struggle with high crime and poverty.
Gang violence, drug activity, and property crime are recurring challenges in neighborhoods such as Brightmoor and Detroit’s East Side. The city’s bankruptcy in 2013 resulted in extensive disinvestment, and while there are signs of recovery, it is a gradual process. Abandoned houses are still frequent, and certain areas of Detroit lack basic facilities like lamps and public transit. For people considering a house purchase, the dangers frequently outweigh the benefits.
Why Crime Rates Matter to Homebuyers
High crime rates in a city can affect homeowners in some ways:
- Safety Concerns: Every homeowner prioritizes personal safety. Families that live in a region with a high rate of violent crime may find it stressful and hazardous.
- Property Value: Homes in high-crime areas often have lower property values, which can make it difficult to sell or refinance the property later.
- Community Resources: High crime rates often correlate with underfunded schools, poor infrastructure, and a lack of public services, which can diminish the quality of life for residents.
- Insurance Costs: Home insurance premiums are often higher in areas with high crime rates, adding to the overall cost of owning a home.
Final Words
Buying a home in places with high crime rates, such as Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Detroit, frequently results in hidden issues such as reduced property values, safety concerns, higher insurance costs, and insufficient community resources, which eventually negate initial savings.