Cicero has had significant issues with gangs for decades. In fact, the city’s reputation as a hub of gang violence dates all the way back to the 1920s when it was considered Al Capone’s “private playground.”
In 1999, the city finally decided to make a real stand against gang violence. They put an order in place that forces gang members to leave within 60 days or face a $500 fine for each day they stay in the city. Unfortunately, the order hasn’t done much to improve the violence in Cicero.
Lancaster, California
California may conjure up images of sunny beaches and sandy getaways, but that isn’t the reality in Lancaster. Well, that’s not true—you will find plenty of sand in this desert town.
Only 51% of Lancaster’s population is employed, while 23% live in poverty. As a town with nothing to do, the city struggles with addiction and a robust racist community. While politicians are trying to bring the city back to life, there doesn’t seem to be much hope for Lancaster.
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino earns one claim to fame as the home of the first McDonald’s restaurant. It’s also the home of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Unfortunately, 30% of the 216,000 people who live in Lancaster live below the poverty line.
San Bernardino is struggling through a recession that has severely impacted the jobs available to residents. Despite its notable achievements - it’s not the right place to live today.
Port Arthur, Texas
Port Arthur is suffering in large part due to the frequent natural disasters that plague the city. Since 2005, Port Arthur has suffered through three major hurricanes. The latest tragedy, Hurricane Harvey, hit in 2017 and caused $1.3 billion in damages.
Because of the dismal state of the town, people continue to move away. Now, town officials are nervous that their population will fall too low to receive federal grants, which will make Port Arthur’s position even worse.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis severely struggles with crime, which has negatively impacted the city as a whole. In 2015, there was a 33% increase in murders, totaling 159 deaths. Because of the violence in the city, 5% of the population left between 2010 and 2018.
Right now, the city is primarily focused on fixing crime in St. Louis. If they can get gun violence under control, the city might have a chance to become a beautiful place to live.