Travel stories often captivate us because they offer a glimpse into places we may never see and experiences we may never have. When those stories come from someone who has spent years exploring every corner of a country as massive and varied as the United States, people tend to listen a little more closely. Jonathan Thompson, a travel journalist who has lived and worked across America for a decade, is one of those voices. Having visited all 50 states and dozens of cities along the way, he has developed a deep, sometimes hard earned perspective on what makes a destination special or forgettable.
What surprises many is not just the list of cities he recommends, but the one that he singles out as the worst of them all. According to Thompson, there is one American city that stands apart from the rest, and not in a good way. His verdict is not half hearted either. He insists it should be avoided at all costs. In a nation filled with historic landmarks, majestic landscapes, cultural hubs, and charming small towns, why would one place stand out so severely that a seasoned traveler labels it the bottom of the barrel?
To understand his harsh assessment, it helps to explore not only his experiences across the United States but also the wider context of travel safety, community decline, and the factors that shape a city’s reputation. When combined with the insights of other world travelers who have ventured far beyond American borders, a larger picture emerges about how people perceive danger, discomfort, or instability in the places they visit. This story examines the city that Thompson calls the worst in America, the places he endorses instead, and what travelers can learn from voices that have journeyed far and wide.
A Decade of Travel and the Making of a Firm Opinion
Jonathan Thompson’s perspective does not come from a brief road trip or a string of vacation getaways. He spent ten years living, working, and traveling throughout the United States, which gave him time to explore everything from iconic cities to small towns that rarely appear in travel guides. His work as a travel journalist took him from the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Alaska, from the deserts of the Southwest to the coastal towns of New England.
During that time, he developed a list of favorite places that he believes deserve more attention. According to Thompson, cities like Santa Fe in New Mexico, Juneau in Alaska, Bend in Oregon, and Portland in Maine all offer something unique, whether that is thriving art scenes, stunning natural landscapes, or a relaxing lifestyle that draws visitors in. These standouts gave him plenty to praise as he explored the country.
But travel is not only about falling in love with beautiful destinations. It also means encountering places that do not live up to expectations. Thompson has been vocal about cities he believes are best avoided. Some of these are due to high crime rates, others because of economic decline, and a few simply because they lack meaningful appeal. Among them, he has mentioned Clovis in New Mexico and Pahrump in Nevada, both of which he describes as bottom of the barrel towns. Still, none of these come close to the one city that he labels the absolute worst.
Why Gary, Indiana Tops the Do Not Visit List
When asked to name the worst American city he has ever visited, Jonathan Thompson does not hesitate. The answer, in his view, is Gary, Indiana. His description is blunt and memorable. He refers to it as a post industrial, semi deserted place filled with potholes that resemble bomb craters. For him, Gary is a city that offers little for travelers and poses enough concerns that he strongly advises avoiding it entirely.
Gary, located in Lake County and once a bustling industrial hub, has experienced decades of economic decline. It is home to Gary Works, the largest steel mill in North America, and has a population of roughly seventy thousand. While the steel industry once supported a thriving community, the downturn of manufacturing left the city struggling with vacant buildings, deteriorating infrastructure, and high crime rates.
Despite these challenges, Gary is not a city without cultural significance. It is famously known as the birthplace of the Jackson family, including global icon Michael Jackson. Fans from around the world still visit the former Jackson home to take photographs and pay tribute. Yet even this unique landmark has not been enough to counterbalance the city’s troubled reputation.
Some locals caution against wandering around the area after dark. Their warnings are not unfounded. A troubling incident last year involved a father and daughter who were visiting the Jackson home. They were attacked at gunpoint by Oasia Barnes, who was later convicted on eighteen charges that included rape, kidnapping, criminal confinement, and armed robbery. The father was forced to drive to a secluded location while the attacker held a gun to his daughter. Authorities found the teenager hours later, and Barnes was ultimately sentenced to one hundred sixty four years in prison.
Stories like this contribute to the unease visitors feel and reinforce the concerns raised by Thompson and other frequent travelers. While every city has good people and pockets of community strength, Gary’s challenges are substantial enough that some travelers feel it is better left off their itineraries.
A Comparison to Global Travel Warnings
Although Jonathan Thompson’s view of Gary is based on firsthand experience, it is interesting to compare it with accounts from travelers who have ventured far beyond the United States. Reference stories from another global traveler known online as @SirJackson360 show how different types of danger shape people’s perceptions.
This traveler is among the small group of fewer than four hundred people who have visited all one hundred ninety five countries in the world. After reaching this milestone, he shared insights on Reddit about the places where he felt most unsafe. His experiences ranged from nations affected by political instability to regions burdened by crime and terrorism.
According to his account, the country that made him feel most politically unsafe was North Korea, but he also felt vulnerable in places such as Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan due to conflict and criminal activity. These nations carry official travel warnings that reflect real risks for visitors.
Yet despite encountering these dangers across the world, the traveler noted that one of the closest brushes he had with terrorism occurred in the United States on New Year’s Eve. His comment emphasized an important truth. Every country has both good and bad people, and no place is entirely free from risk.
When his experiences are placed alongside Thompson’s criticism of Gary, it highlights the fact that safety concerns vary widely. A city does not need to be a war zone to feel unsafe or unstable. Community conditions, economic hardship, and pockets of crime can shape how a place is perceived just as powerfully as political turmoil in another part of the world.
The Cities That Earned Praise Instead
The harsh verdict on Gary becomes even more striking when contrasted with the places Thompson celebrates. His top recommendations present a colorful snapshot of what he believes makes American travel worthwhile.
Santa Fe, for example, consistently ranks near the top of his list. With more than two hundred galleries and museums, as well as breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city has long attracted artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and history lovers. Its appearance in the Oscar winning film Oppenheimer only added to its cultural pull. From food to scenic railways, Santa Fe offers experiences that stand out in the Southwest.
Cody in Wyoming takes second place on his list. Often referred to as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, it offers what Thompson calls a brilliant taste of the Wild West. Visitors can enjoy rodeos, campfire cookouts, square dances, and an abundance of natural beauty. The area’s spirit of adventure has made it a favorite among travelers looking for a more rugged and authentic experience.
Pensacola, Florida, sits in third place. Thompson describes it as feeling off the beaten track, despite its eighteen miles of sandy beaches and year round sunshine. With charming cafes, museums, and restaurants lining its streets, Pensacola blends relaxation with exploration.
Juneau, Alaska, captures travelers with its striking environment. Nestled among mountains, glaciers, and the ocean, the city contains traces of its Russian history, including a Russian Orthodox church and a dumpling restaurant that reflect its past. Long summer days, stretching up to nineteen hours, allow plenty of time for glacier hikes, whale watching, and discovering local architecture.
Finally, Chattanooga in Tennessee earns the fifth spot on his list. Designated America’s first National Park City, Chattanooga appeals to nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With opportunities for paragliding, biking, and exploring underground waterfalls, it brings a lively mix of outdoor excitement and cultural renewal.
Other Places to Approach With Caution
Thompson has also mentioned several American locations that he believes tourists should treat carefully. Spring Break cities like Miami Beach, Panama City, and Fort Lauderdale can become chaotic during March, particularly as crowds of partying students fill the beaches and nightlife scenes. For travelers who want a quieter experience, visiting these cities outside of Spring Break season is advised.
He also notes that most major cities have neighborhoods that require caution. Baltimore and Philadelphia, for example, have areas that he believes resemble scenes straight from the television series The Wire. This does not mean these cities are unworthy of a visit, only that like any metropolis, they are complex and diverse, with safe districts and unsafe ones often existing side by side.
Additionally, some towns such as Clovis in New Mexico and Pahrump in Nevada fall into his category of places best avoided. These are described as having limited attractions and difficult economic conditions, making them less than ideal destinations for casual travelers.
Reflecting on What Shapes a City’s Reputation
It is easy to assume that a city earns a negative label because of a single factor, but reputations usually form through layers of history, economics, community experiences, and high profile events. Gary’s decline is tied closely to the fall of American industry, especially steel manufacturing. As jobs disappeared, families moved away, leaving abandoned properties and reduced city resources.
Crime, which often rises in communities facing economic hardship, further affects how outsiders view the area. When visitors hear about violent incidents, even if they are isolated or not representative of every resident, the perception of danger grows.
Yet reputations do not always capture the full truth. Every struggling city has residents who work hard to improve their community. Many locals in Gary care deeply about their neighborhoods, their heritage, and their future. The Jackson family’s legacy alone reflects a history of creativity, resilience, and cultural impact that stands in stark contrast to the city’s current challenges.
Understanding these complexities invites readers to look beyond simple labels. A city that appears frightening to one traveler may be home to family, memories, and hope for another. A place that feels rundown to an outsider may be rich with stories, traditions, and potential.
Lessons for Travelers
Travel advice is always shaped by personal experience. What feels unsafe or uninviting to one person may feel exciting or meaningful to someone else. Still, travelers can take away several lessons from the accounts shared by Thompson and global explorers alike.
- Research matters. Reading up on a city’s safety, attractions, and recent news helps travelers make informed decisions. What is true one year may not be true the next.
- Experiences differ widely. Some people may find a city uncomfortable while others find value in its history or culture.
- Safety is not limited to specific parts of the world. As the traveler who visited every country pointed out, danger can appear anywhere, even in familiar places.
- Communities change. A city that struggles today may thrive tomorrow. Urban renewal, investment, and community leadership can reshape a place over time.
- Respect for locals is essential. Even when travelers do not enjoy a destination, it remains home to thousands of people whose lives, stories, and efforts deserve recognition.
The Human Side of America’s Struggling Cities
Jonathan Thompson’s verdict on Gary, Indiana, is strikingly blunt. He believes it is the worst American city he has ever visited and urges travelers to avoid it entirely. His assessment draws attention to the city’s long standing struggles, from economic decline to incidents that have raised safety concerns. When viewed alongside the insights of world travelers who have experienced far more volatile regions, it becomes clear that perceptions of danger and discomfort are shaped by personal history, expectations, and individual encounters.
While Gary may carry a reputation that discourages certain visitors, it also serves as a reminder of how American cities rise and fall through cycles of growth and hardship. It stands as a case study in how urban change affects not only residents but also those who pass through.
In the end, travel is never only about seeking beauty. It is also about understanding the stories behind places, even the difficult ones. Travelers who learn from these stories gain a deeper sense of awareness and compassion. Whether choosing to visit a vibrant cultural hub like Santa Fe or deciding to pass over a city like Gary, each choice reflects an ongoing journey toward seeing the world with clearer eyes and a more thoughtful heart.
