A traveler who has explored all 50 states in the U.S. has shared the one destination that should be avoided at all costs.
Jonathan Thompson, a seasoned travel journalist, has spent a decade residing and traveling in the United States.
Throughout his travels, he’s had the opportunity to visit every state, discovering prime destinations as well as those best skipped.
There is one town, however, that Jonathan strongly advises against visiting, labeling it as ‘the absolute worst’ and one to ‘steer clear of.’
Having toured the entire nation, Jonathan also highlights some must-see locations, such as Santa Fe in New Mexico, Juneau in Alaska, Bend in Oregon, and Portland in Maine, which should be on every traveler’s itinerary. Conversely, certain areas, due to their high crime rates, are better left off the list, such as Clovis in New Mexico and Pahrump in Nevada.
Among all the cities, Jonathan places one at the very bottom of the list for places to visit in the U.S.
“The absolute worst spot? It has to be Gary, Indiana,” Jonathan stated.
“A post-industrial, semi-deserted hellscape with potholes the size of bomb craters. It should be avoided at all costs.”
Gary, located in Lake County, Indiana, is the 11th largest city in the state. It hosts Gary Works, the largest steel mill in North America, and has a population of about 70,000.
The city is also famous as the birthplace of the Jackson family, including the legendary Michael Jackson.
The Jackson family home often attracts fans and visitors eager to snap pictures or take selfies in front of the house.
Local residents, however, advise against exploring the area after dark.
In a troubling incident last year, a father and daughter visiting the Jackson home were held at gunpoint.
Oasia Barnes was found guilty of multiple offenses, including rape, kidnapping, criminal confinement, and armed robbery.
The family was confronted by Barnes, who threatened the teenage daughter with a gun and coerced the father to drive to a remote location.
After taking the girl out of the car, Barnes fled with her, while the father sought help from a nearby home to call the police.
Authorities located Barnes with the girl hours later, and she informed them of the heinous acts she was forced to endure at gunpoint.
Barnes received a 164-year prison sentence for his actions.