6. Los Angeles, CA
Major Industries: Manufacturing and tourism
Annual Growth Rate: 0.23%*
Picture this: the beach, the palm trees, the glitz and glamour of celebrities, and the movie studios like Disney and Warner Bros. – it’s like stepping into paradise! But hold on a minute, there’s a catch – the sky-high cost of living in Los Angeles. Affordable housing is a rarity in this sprawling city, and as a result, property prices have skyrocketed. Not surprisingly, many residents are saying goodbye to LA and hello to inland areas like Riverside and San Bernardino. Middle-class families, in search of more opportunities and cheaper markets, are flocking to cities such as Dallas, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. It’s no secret that LA’s cost of living is among the highest in the world, making it a challenge for many to set up roots. And when you combine that with limited job prospects beyond the film industry, LA can feel like an impenetrable fortress.
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. Houston, TX
Major Industries: Aerospace and energy
Annual Growth Rate: 1.73%*
The Lone Star State has forged its reputation on a boom-and-bust economy, driven by the oil and gas industry. With behemoth companies like Phillips and Halliburton calling Houston home, it’s long been a hub of big business. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, the home of the Astros has failed to match the rapid growth seen in neighboring cities like Austin and Dallas. Nestled in the shadow of Hurricane Harvey, which ravaged the city in 2017, Houston has embarked on a relentless journey to rebuild its foundations, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also its economy and communities. The aftermath of the disaster drove many residents to flee, halting the city’s population growth for some time. On top of that, the shadow of uncertainty looms large over Houston’s once-thriving oil and gas industry, further contributing to the decline in its populace. Concerns surrounding the city’s air quality are not misplaced. According to The Houston Chronicle, Houston finds itself among the worst cities in the nation when it comes to air pollution. With a staggering #9 ranking on the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, Houston’s battle against ozone pollution is far from over. Despite its struggles, however, Houston perseveres. The city’s resilience knows no bounds, and as it continues to rise from the ashes of adversity, it remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.
7. Houston, TX
