14 People Roast U.S. Cities With the Worst People

Ever wondered which American cities have earned a reputation for their not-so-friendly locals? We’ve gathered some brutal takes from real people who didn’t hold back their opinions.

From rude encounters to downright hostile experiences, these folks share their unfiltered thoughts about where they believe the most unpleasant Americans reside.

Buckle up for some seriously spicy city critiques!

1. New York’s Cold Shoulder

New York's Cold Shoulder
© Full Suitcase

“Manhattan made me feel invisible! Everyone rushes past you like you’re a ghost, and heaven forbid you stop walking to check your phone. I got body-checked by a businessman who didn’t even look back.

The stereotype about rude New Yorkers? Totally confirmed during my visit. Even asking for directions felt like I was inconveniencing someone’s entire existence.”

2. Los Angeles Fakery

Los Angeles Fakery
© The Independent

“Everyone in LA seems to be auditioning for a role—even at the grocery store! I’ve never seen so many fake smiles and hollow ‘let’s do lunch’ promises that nobody intends to keep.

The superficiality is exhausting. People scan the room while talking to you, always looking for someone more important. One barista literally stopped mid-conversation when he spotted a C-list celebrity!”

3. Miami’s Ego Epidemic

Miami's Ego Epidemic
© Blog Viajemos

“Miami folks live in their own universe where everyone’s a VIP—or thinks they are. The entitlement level is off the charts! Watched a woman throw a fit because the beach wasn’t ‘exclusive’ enough for her Instagram photos.

Traffic is a nightmare because nobody follows rules. Drivers cut you off, then have the audacity to honk at YOU. The city runs on showing off and one-upmanship.”

4. Boston’s Prickly Pride

Boston's Prickly Pride
© Travel + Leisure

“Bostonians have this weird superiority complex about their city. Try suggesting improvements or mentioning another city does something better—they’ll come at you like you insulted their mother!

The sports fanaticism crosses into unhealthy territory. I mentioned I like the Yankees and nearly got thrown out of a bar. Plus, that famous accent somehow makes even friendly comments sound aggressive.”

5. Philadelphia’s Rough Edges

Philadelphia's Rough Edges
© Britannica

“They didn’t nickname it ‘Filthadelphia’ for nothing! The attitude is as gritty as the streets. Philly folks pride themselves on being tough, but there’s a fine line between tough and just plain mean.

They famously threw snowballs at Santa, and that spirit lives on. Customer service is an oxymoron here. Asked for help at a convenience store and got eye-rolled so hard I thought the clerk might strain something.”

6. Seattle’s Freeze Factor

Seattle's Freeze Factor
© Condé Nast Traveler

“The ‘Seattle Freeze’ is real, folks! Moved there for work and couldn’t make a single friend in six months. People are polite but keep you at arm’s length forever.

Coffee shops full of people staring at laptops who look horrified if you attempt conversation. Neighbors would rather text than talk face-to-face. The passive-aggressiveness is their love language—they’ll hold the door but judge your umbrella use.”

7. Dallas’s Bigger-Than-You Attitude

Dallas's Bigger-Than-You Attitude
© Texas State Historical Association

“Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the egos in Dallas! The constant one-upmanship is exhausting. Mention your new car, and someone will immediately tell you about their bigger, better, more expensive one.

The social hierarchy revolves around which neighborhood you live in and what you drive. Saw a woman refuse to talk to someone at a charity event after learning they lived in a ‘lesser’ suburb. The shallow materialism is their oxygen.”

8. San Francisco’s Tech Snobbery

San Francisco's Tech Snobbery
© KAYAK

“San Francisco has become a playground for tech bros who think they’re saving humanity by creating another food delivery app. The self-importance is suffocating!

Conversations inevitably turn to funding rounds and stock options. Overheard someone call themselves a ‘thought leader in the digital space’ without a hint of irony. The city used to have character—now it’s just characters with venture capital.”

9. Chicago’s Wind-Chill Personality

Chicago's Wind-Chill Personality
© Nomadic Matt

“Chicagoans have this weird chip on their shoulder about not being New York. The defensiveness comes out as aggression! Their driving makes NYC cabbies look polite.

Don’t dare mention deep dish isn’t real pizza unless you want a lecture. The winter doesn’t just freeze the lake—it freezes their ability to be pleasant. One cashier practically threw my change at me because I asked about tourist attractions.”

10. D.C.’s Power Trip

D.C.'s Power Trip
© Tripadvisor

“Washington D.C. is full of people who introduce themselves with their job title instead of their name. The first question at any gathering is ‘What do you do?’ – and if the answer doesn’t impress, they’re already scanning for someone more useful.

Everyone acts like they’re one degree away from the President. The networking isn’t socializing—it’s career climbing disguised as conversation. Genuine human connection is as rare as bipartisanship.”

11. Portland’s Performative Progressiveness

Portland's Performative Progressiveness
© Extra Space Storage

“Portland folks will judge you for not being ‘conscious’ enough while sipping their single-origin coffee. The superiority complex is packaged in thrifted clothing!

Mention you shop at a chain store and watch the horror spread across their faces. The irony of exclusionary inclusivity is lost on them. One barista lectured me about my to-go cup while their shop was blasting AC with the doors open.”

12. Las Vegas’s Hustle Culture

Las Vegas's Hustle Culture
© Tripadvisor

“Everyone in Vegas is trying to extract money from your wallet! From cab drivers taking the long route to club promoters promising VIP treatment that never materializes.

The fake friendliness disappears the moment they realize you’re not a big spender. Watched a dealer’s smile vanish when my friend didn’t tip ‘enough.’ The entire city operates on a sliding scale of treatment based on your perceived worth.”

13. Nashville’s Tourist Trap Tempers

Nashville's Tourist Trap Tempers
© Visit The USA

“Nashville locals have developed open hostility toward tourists, yet their economy depends on them! The eye-rolling when you ask about authentic spots is Olympic-level.

Broadway has become a battleground between bachelorette parties and annoyed residents. One bartender muttered ‘another one’ when I walked in wearing cowboy boots. They want your money but not your presence—the ultimate toxic relationship.”

14. Atlanta’s Social Climbing Ladder

Atlanta's Social Climbing Ladder
© Britannica

“Atlanta’s social scene feels like high school never ended. Which neighborhood you live in and which church you attend determines your entire social standing!

The ‘bless your heart’ passive-aggressiveness is an art form here. Watched a woman compliment someone’s dress and then whisper it was a knockoff. Status anxiety permeates everything from Sunday brunch to school drop-off lines.”