10. Pittsburgh, PA
Major Industries: Advanced manufacturing and information technology
Annual Growth Rate: -0.06%*
Back in 1950, Pittsburgh, known as “The City of Champions”, stood proudly as the 12th most populous city in America. Fast forward to today, and the city’s population has been on a steady decline year after year. Even with giants like PPG Industries calling it home, the once-thriving American production and manufacturing industries have been shrinking since the 70s. Pittsburgh, once known as a steel-producing powerhouse, has seen a dramatic slowdown in steel production since its heyday. As a result, the city is grappling with a weakened economy and alarmingly high poverty rates. But fear not! The resilient spirit of this rust-belt city shines through as it seeks to reinvent itself. Embracing the emerging fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, Pittsburgh is determined to foster growth in the tech industry. However, to truly turn the tide, we mustn’t overlook the less flashy parts of the city, like Homewood or McKees Rocks. It’s crucial to empower these communities and make them tech-savvy too. If we can do that, there is still hope to restore Pittsburgh to its former glory and reverse its downward spiral. It’s a real shame that such a magnificent city, widely recognized as one of the safest in America, is facing these challenges. But together, we can shape a brighter future for Pittsburgh!
10. Pittsburgh, PA
11. Orlando, FL
Major Industries: Tourism and aerospace engineering
Annual Growth Rate: 2.02%*
Welcome to Orlando, a city of contrasts! While it thrives on tourism, with the captivating Disney World as its centerpiece, there’s a hidden side that unveils a different reality. Enter “The Florida Project,” a mesmerizing film that peels back the layers of a child’s life in poverty, residing in the shadows of this world-famous attraction. Unfortunately, Orlando grapples with a high crime rate, topping the charts among Florida’s largest cities and even across America. It’s not just the safety concerns that dampen its appeal; the local school system also struggles, adding another hurdle for families. Moreover, housing prices here have been a wild ride, skyrocketing by 37.08% one year only to plummet the next. And let’s not forget the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, further unsettling the situation. So even though Orlando boasts Darden Restaurants, a steady exodus of skilled workers seeks greener pastures elsewhere. Step into this city of twists and turns, where the illusion of paradise masks a far more complex reality.
11. Orlando, FL
