The bad news: There is nothing endearing about the term “miserable,” and being the second most miserable city in the nation is never good news.
In a Forbes ranking of 200 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the city of Stockton was ranked No. 2 as the most miserable city. Last year, Stockton was No. 1 on that list.
Forbes’ rankings were based off nine factors: commute times, corruption, pro sports teams, Superfund sites, taxes (both income and sales), unemployment, violent crime and weather.
From the story:
“Unemployment and crime continue to be major issues. Stockton ranked seventh worst in both of these areas. Stockton residents have average commutes that are among the highest in the country and, like all Californians, they suffer from onerous sales and income taxes.
Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston says the city is working to fix its problems. It has seen a reduction in crime in recent months as it targets troubled areas with an increased police presence. On the economic front, the city recently expanded the Port of Stockton, which it hopes will attract new companies. Stockton is an agricultural community, but the Mayor says the city is working to diversify its economic base and echoes Silliman’s comments about Cleveland. “We’re an All-American city,” says Mayor Johnston. “And it’s not because we sit on our hands and do nothing. It’s because we recognize our problems and work to solve them.”
To see the entire story and read the full rankings, click here.
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