Chicago makes list of Forbes’ most-miserable cities
Hey, you, wipe that smile off your face!
That goes for you, too, enjoying a sunrise jog along the world’s most magnificent city lakefront. And you, devouring the food of the gods: a Chicago-style hotdog with duck-fat french fries.
You’re supposed to be miserable. According to Forbes.com, Chicagoans live in the fourth-most godforsaken city in America.
But things could be even worse. Detroit topped the 2013 list of America’s Most Miserable Cities.
Here’s what Forbes has to say about us: “Chicago residents must endure long commutes [31 minutes on average], plummeting home prices [37% in the past five years], brutal winters and high foreclosure rates [3.3% of homes in 2012 says RealtyTrac]. Many residents are giving up on the Windy City with a net migration out of the city of 107,000 people the past five years, according to Moody’s Analytics.”
Incidentally, if you’re thinking of fleeing, don’t head for Lake County — No. 9 on the list. “The Chicago suburb is one of the richest counties in the U.S., as measured by per capita income. But home prices are down 29% over the past 5 years. Other drawbacks: long commutes and lousy weather.”
And definitely don’t head for Rockford, No. 3 on the list.
Here’s the full list of Most Miserable Cities:
1. Detroit, Mich.
2. Flint, Mich.
3. Rockford
4. Chicago
5. Modesto, Calif.
6. Vallejo, Calif.
7. Warren, Mich.
8. Stockton, Calif.
9. Lake County
10. New York, N.Y.