Most stressful cities in the USA

America's most stressful cities - Forbes article

1. Chicago, Ill.
With 7.3% unemployment and a gallon of gas going for just under four bucks, the Windy City has some economic headwinds that result in a perfect storm for stress. Chi-town’s pollution problems (it ranked No. 7 in terms poor air quality) and lack of breathing room (it's No. 2 in terms of population density) couple to create a Midwestern Molotov cocktail of stress.

2. New York, N.Y.
New York City has the third least affordable housing when you look at local mortgages versus income, making it tough to get ahead. Whether you rent or own, you won’t have much space unless you are rolling in dough. The Big Apple is packed to the core, coming at No 1. in terms of population density with in 786 housing units per square mile. You can smell the ambition in this city, but you might smell something else. New York had the ninth worst air quality of the 40 major metro areas we looked at.

3. Detroit, Mich.
Detroit used to thrive as the epicenter of the American auto industry. But massive layoffs at Ford and General Motors contribute to a 9.4% employment rate, the highest in the e country. What's more, the industry that is now cutting jobs probably won’t offer to fix the pollution it created. Detroit was No. 9 on our ranking in terms of air quality. On the upside, the slack demand for homes has made housing cheap. Detroit has the second most affordable homes relative to income in the country.

4. Los Angeles, Calif.
Individuals living in the City of Angels deal with a 7.5% unemployment rate, the second least affordable homes relative to income in the country and the worst air quality in the country. Los Angelinos also have to fret about health concerns and often need to stay indoors when the smog gets really bad. Throw in expensive gas and this car-dependent city has a lot to stress about.

5. San Francisco, Calif.
There are 7.2 million residents in the City by the Bay, and they’ve got cause for stress. San Francisco ranks as the fourth least affordable city in terms of housing relative to income, and its citizens pay more per gallon of gas than anywhere else in the country. Tack in 359.8 housing units per square mile, the ninth highest population density of the 40 major metro areas we looked at, and you’ve a recipe for anxiety.

6. San Diego, California
The Southern California city known for its sunny Mediterranean climate, rich naval history and Latin flavor thanks to the border it shares with Mexico has got a problem: Its homes cost too much for those looking to buy, which makes it tough for residents to take out a mortgage and get ahead. This affordability issue has lead to a lot of buckled mortgages--a major source of stress for residents and local businesses. San Diego’s 6.4% unemployment rate, the tenth highest in our ranking, doesn’t help either.


7. Cleveland, Ohio
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
9. Providence, R.I.
10. Philadelphia, Pa

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