Travel stories often capture our attention because they reflect real experiences, genuine observations, and the subtle patterns that emerge when someone has seen far more than the average traveler. When those stories come from an individual who has lived across the United States and visited all fifty states, their reflections tend to carry even more weight. Jonathan Thompson, a travel journalist who has spent a decade exploring cities, towns, and remote corners of the country, has offered exactly that kind of insight. His assessment of the best and worst places in America has sparked conversation, debate, and curiosity, especially because his verdict on one city is unusually blunt.

Rather than softening his opinion, Thompson names a specific location that he believes travelers should avoid entirely. His perspective has roots in years of firsthand experience, extensive travel assignments, and numerous encounters with places facing economic, cultural, or safety challenges. While he is quick to praise destinations such as Santa Fe, Juneau, or Cody, his warnings about one city in particular have captured the public’s attention.

This article examines the background behind his claims, the complex story of the city he criticizes, and the broader context of how travelers perceive danger, decline, and appeal in modern American landscapes.

A Travel Career Built on Firsthand Experience

Jonathan Thompson did not form his opinions through brief layovers or fast drives along the interstate. His career required him to immerse himself in the communities he visited. Over ten years, he lived and worked across numerous regions, documenting what he saw and sharing stories with readers who rely on travel journalism to shape their understanding of unfamiliar places.

His extensive travels led him to explore major cultural hubs, small rural towns, and historic locations scattered across the United States. During those journeys, he also identified places that stood out for positive reasons. Santa Fe in New Mexico, for example, impressed him with its thriving arts scene, significant cultural heritage, and access to mountain landscapes that attract hikers and history lovers alike. Juneau in Alaska offered a different kind of draw, combining breathtaking natural features with a distinctive blend of local and Russian influenced culture.

Other cities, such as Bend in Oregon, Portland in Maine, Cody in Wyoming, Pensacola in Florida, and Chattanooga in Tennessee, earned his praise for their food scenes, outdoor activities, museums, architecture, or welcoming atmospheres. Each of these places represented something memorable and appealing to him.

However, not every destination offered a positive experience. Some left him feeling cautious, disappointed, or concerned. These impressions shaped a list of cities he would discourage travelers from visiting, and among them one stood out sharply.

The City Thompson calls the worst in America

When asked to identify the single worst city in the United States, Thompson consistently names Gary, Indiana. He characterizes it as post industrial and semi deserted, pointing to deteriorating infrastructure and widespread signs of economic hardship. One specific example he mentions is the condition of the roads, which he says contain potholes large enough to disrupt travel and reflect deeper issues with city maintenance.

Gary is located in Lake County near the southern tip of Lake Michigan. At one time it was a booming industrial center anchored by steel production. Gary Works, the largest steel mill in North America, still operates there. The city’s population, currently around seventy thousand, was once significantly larger, but decades of economic decline caused by changes in the steel industry led to job losses, depopulation, and the deterioration of many public services.

The city is also widely known for being the birthplace of the Jackson family. Fans of Michael Jackson and his siblings often visit the family’s former home, which has become an informal landmark. While this connection contributes to the city’s cultural significance, it does not fully offset the concerns raised by both residents and travelers.

Local warnings about safety, particularly after dark, have circulated for years. These concerns gained renewed attention following a violent incident involving a father and daughter who had visited the Jackson home. The pair were approached at gunpoint, abducted, and assaulted. The perpetrator, Oasia Barnes, was later convicted on eighteen charges, including kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery, and was sentenced to more than one hundred sixty years in prison. The case drew national attention and reinforced existing fears regarding crime in the area.

Understanding the Roots of Gary’s Challenges

Cities undergoing long term economic shifts often face multiple layers of difficulty. Gary’s history mirrors broader patterns seen in post industrial regions across the United States. As manufacturing jobs disappeared, communities struggled to maintain services, attract new industries, and preserve local businesses. Population decline reduced the tax base needed to support infrastructure improvements, public safety efforts, and community development projects.

The result is a cycle that can be difficult to break. Vacant homes and buildings contribute to a perception of abandonment. Reduced resources limit the city’s ability to address crime effectively. Infrastructure suffers, which discourages investment and tourism. These issues can compound over decades, creating a challenging environment for residents and visitors alike.

Despite these hardships, it is important to recognize that Gary remains home to tens of thousands of people. Many residents are committed to community revitalization efforts, neighborhood programs, and cultural events that aim to preserve pride in the city’s heritage. Their work represents a side of Gary that is often overlooked, especially when attention focuses primarily on its struggles.

Comparing American safety experiences with global travel accounts

Thompson’s perspective gains additional dimension when placed alongside the experiences of travelers who have explored far beyond the United States. One such traveler, known online as SirJackson360, is among fewer than four hundred people who have visited all one hundred ninety five countries in the world. His insights reveal how varied perceptions of danger can be.

According to his accounts, political instability and conflict made him feel unsafe in several countries, including North Korea, Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan. These regions, affected by war or government restrictions, present clear risks for visitors. Yet he also noted that one of his closest encounters with terrorism occurred in the United States during a New Year’s Eve celebration.

This comparison underscores a broader truth. Safety concerns are not limited to specific parts of the world. Even within wealthy or highly developed nations, unexpected dangers can arise. Likewise, places that seem risky based on reputation may be experienced as safe or welcoming depending on circumstances, location, or timing.

When travelers consider Thompson’s warning about Gary, it helps to understand that individual encounters shape the stories people tell. Experiences differ widely, even within the same city, and perceptions are influenced by both personal history and local context.

Destinations That Earned High Praise

Part of what makes Thompson’s criticism of Gary so striking is the contrast with the places he recommends instead. The cities he praises represent a range of environments, from coastal towns to mountain regions, each offering a different type of travel experience.

Santa Fe stands out for its rich artistic and cultural landscape, with more than two hundred galleries and museums. The surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the city’s celebrated food scene add to its appeal. Its appearance in a recent award winning film has further boosted interest among visitors.

Cody in Wyoming, which he ranks highly, reflects the spirit of the American West. As the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, it offers opportunities for horseback riding, outdoor cooking, and local performances rooted in regional tradition.

Pensacola in Florida blends beachside relaxation with a vibrant mix of restaurants, boutiques, and museums. Its long stretches of sandy shoreline and warm climate make it a popular destination for travelers seeking both leisure and exploration.

Juneau in Alaska provides a dramatic natural environment characterized by glaciers, mountain views, and maritime history. Visitors can explore local architecture, hike to scenic overlooks, or experience whale watching during long summer days.

Chattanooga in Tennessee rounds out his list of favorites. As the first American city designated as a National Park City, it offers close access to natural attractions and outdoor activities such as biking, paragliding, and visiting underground waterfalls.

Each of these destinations illustrates what Thompson values in travel: natural beauty, cultural richness, inviting public spaces, and community vitality.

Additional Places He Advises Travelers to Avoid

Thompson has also identified other locations he believes visitors should approach with caution. Some of these warnings reflect seasonal concerns. Spring Break destinations such as Miami Beach, Panama City, and Fort Lauderdale can become overwhelming during March when large crowds of students gather for parties and events. For travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere, visiting during other months may be more enjoyable.

He also mentions that most large American cities have neighborhoods that require situational awareness. Cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia contain areas he describes as unsafe or heavily affected by crime. These comments do not label the cities as unworthy of travel but highlight the importance of understanding how safety can vary within a single metropolitan area.

Similarly, towns such as Clovis in New Mexico and Pahrump in Nevada are labeled as bottom of the barrel due to limited attractions and economic challenges. These places, in his view, offer little to travelers seeking engaging experiences or well maintained environments.

How Reputation Shapes a City’s Appeal

Cities develop reputations based on a combination of history, media coverage, personal experiences, and public perception. In the case of Gary, several factors have contributed to its current image. Economic decline reduced job opportunities and population density. Abandoned buildings and deteriorating roads became more common. High profile crimes reinforced concerns about safety. Collectively, these elements shape how outsiders interpret the city before they even arrive.

However, reputations are rarely complete or permanent. They do not always reflect the full spectrum of life within a community. Gary, like other cities facing similar circumstances, includes residents who maintain pride in their homes, invest in local initiatives, and work toward long term improvement. Understanding both sides of a city encourages a more balanced perspective, even when widespread challenges are present.

Travelers also bring their own expectations, biases, and experiences to each new place they visit. Two individuals may visit the same city and leave with completely different interpretations. This is why travel journalism, personal reflection, and thorough research all have roles to play in shaping responsible travel decisions.

What Travelers Can Learn From These Insights

Thompson’s warnings and recommendations offer several lessons for travelers navigating a diverse and often unpredictable world. One important takeaway is the value of research. Cities change over time, and conditions that were true in one year may shift significantly in the next. Learning about neighborhoods, transportation options, recent events, and local attractions can help travelers make informed choices.

Another lesson is that individual experiences differ. What feels unwelcoming to one traveler may be meaningful or safe to another. People interpret environments through personal history, comfort levels, and expectations.

Travelers can also remember that danger and safety are not fixed categories. As global accounts show, even the most stable countries experience isolated incidents, while places with challenging reputations sometimes offer positive and memorable experiences.

Finally, it is important to approach communities with respect. Even when a traveler does not enjoy a destination, it remains home to residents whose lives and stories deserve consideration. Acknowledging their perspectives provides a fuller understanding of the places we explore.

What This All Means for Travelers

Jonathan Thompson’s verdict on Gary, Indiana, is straightforward and firm. Based on his extensive experience traveling across the United States, he identifies it as the worst city he has visited and one travelers should avoid. His assessment reflects long standing economic challenges, infrastructure decline, and incidents that have raised safety concerns. While his perspective is shaped by personal encounters, it also aligns with broader patterns of how cities evolve in response to industry changes and population shifts.

At the same time, Gary’s story is not solely defined by hardship. Its cultural legacy, particularly as the birthplace of the Jackson family, remains significant. Efforts by residents to strengthen their communities continue despite the obstacles they face.

For travelers, the lesson is not to accept any single viewpoint without reflection. Travel requires awareness, preparation, and an understanding that cities contain both strengths and weaknesses. Whether choosing to explore one of Thompson’s recommended destinations or opting to avoid locations he considers troubled, the ultimate goal is to approach travel with clarity, respect, and curiosity.

Through that lens, even the starkest warnings become part of a larger conversation about how people move through the world and what they learn along the way.

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