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Even the Most ‘Miserable’ Cities in the U.S. Have Something Amazing About Them

Every place has something to offer.

So, Business Insider recently compiled census data—“median household income,” “persons without health insurance,” and “median commute time”—in order to determine and rank the 50 most “miserable” cities in America. While the data itself is objective, it’s not completely fair to demean the places on this list “miserable,” even if the objective of the coverage was intended to be solely observational. Every place has value, regardless of its challenges. So we’ve rounded up the publication’s top 10 picks (first place, being the “most miserable”) and decided to look on the bright side—here’s a look at the good things those cities have to offer.

10. Huntington Park, California

A low-key foodie destination? Jade Siam might not look like much on the outside—it’s located in a strip mall—but Eater LA calls this Thai restaurant an oasis that’s “been churning out quality pad se ew, pineapple rice, and panang curry for years.” You might also consider this four-star religious goods store, Saydel, that is “by far one of the best botanica’s in the LA area,” according to Yelp user Rose W.

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9. Warren, Ohio

Automotive enthusiasts rejoice as this town’s National Packard Museum is an informative establishment that’s a destination in and of itself. The museum—which is actually a restored dealership—recognizes and strives to carry on the legacy of Packard, a luxury automotive brand founded in 1899. The Riverwalk Amphitheatre Campus is also a neat outdoor venue with plenty of space for blankets and chairs for posting up and catching a rock concert on a hot summer night.

8. Camden, New Jersey

Poet Walt Whitman’s home is a state historic site and it welcomes visitors from around the world who can see artifacts and collections related to the poet; also, Whitman’s tomb is just a 10-minute drive from the house. The city’s Adventure Aquarium, with its 8,000 animals thriving in aquatic environments, is also worth mentioning.

7. Flint, Michigan

The city has a lot to offer, including an Institute of Arts, that’s currently hosting a weekly film series, a Picasso exhibit, and a gallery dedicated to glass artists and ceramicists. The Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, complete with amusement rides and paddlewheel riverboats, is also a popular tourist attraction.

6. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Pine Bluff has a low-key interesting art scene, with 13 murals as part of the city’s goal of revitalizing downtown. Additionally, the Arkansas Railroad Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday.

5. Newark, New Jersey

Newark Museum, the largest museum in the state, is currently hosting “Art of the Ancient Mediterranean” and “Arts of Global Africa” exhibits, and has a host of interactive galleries and even a planetarium, making it a great day-trip for families. Finish out the afternoon with a picnic at Riverfront Park, which is now complete with cool boardwalks!

4. Passaic, New Jersey

This time of year is an especially good time to visit Passaic—its Brighton Asylum is perhaps the best haunted house in New Jersey and was deemed “The Scariest Place on Earth” by the Today Show.

3. Detroit, Michigan

Obviously, it’s home to more than its fair share of automobile attractions, but there are a few other reasons America’s favorite comeback city made our Go List this year. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a 5.5-mile stretch of property that’s home to plazas, pavilions, and green spaces. You’re also sure to find something to covet at John K. King, a used and rare book store that’s home to a million tomes (literally).

2. Port Arthur, Texas

A Buddhist temple with an exotic lotus garden? Why not! Another area to reflect, the man-made Pleasure Island—an 18.5-mile-long stretch of land—has some pretty good sunset-viewing.

1. Gary, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park is an ideal place to catch your breath and scout for rare birds; there’s more than 50 miles of trails, including ones that run through picturesque dunes and serene forests. If you’re a baseball fan, the U.S Steel Yard is home to the city’s professional baseball team, the Railcats!

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