Top 10 Rudest Cities in the US

In the rush of large cities, people rarely take time for niceties like small talk with cashiers, holding doors open, or giving up seats on public transport. As a result, bustling metropolises aren’t exactly known for politeness. Some cities are ruder than others, however, and a recent survey revealed the worst of them all. In this survey by Insider and SurveyMonkey, nearly 2,100 Americans were asked to rank the five cities they believed displayed the most rudeness from a selection of the country’s 50 largest cities. Which cities made the top 10?

#1 New York, New York

New York City emerged as the unequivocal frontrunner, securing its place as the rudest city in America. Also, the nation’s largest city, where more than 8 million people coexist on a relatively small piece of land, the Big Apple’s position at No. 1 doesn’t come as a huge shock.

#2 Los Angeles, California

You would think all the sunshine, beaches, and movie stars would put L.A. residents in a great mood most of the time. But survey respondents ranked the City of Angels as the second rudest city of all. Among other things, L.A. recently made headlines for rude parents in school pickup lines.

#3 Washington, D.C.

Politics can get ugly, and in the nation’s capital city, the ugliness can seep out of federal buildings and into the city’s culture. Survey respondents apparently noticed this, and their votes placed D.C. third on the list.

#4 Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City’s rudeness is a time-honored tradition. A 1985 “Chicago Tribune” editorial even paid homage to the city’s lack of decorum. Perhaps Chicagoans would be friendlier if they weren’t rushing to get home and out of the wind!

#5 Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has so much going for it: History, beans, plenty of professional sports teams, and so much more. But survey respondents named Beantown the fifth rudest city. Some chalk the city’s rudeness up to a pervasive habit of line-cutting. Hey, Bostonians, wait your turn!

#6 Detroit, Michigan

A separate survey deemed Michigan one of the loneliest states, so maybe Motor City residents are rude because they… just need a hug.

#7 Buffalo, New York

Perhaps Buffalo is too cold. Or maybe New York City’s rudeness crept upstate to the Empire State’s second biggest city. Regardless of why Buffalo made this list, the city is also where Buffalo wings originated. So be as rude as you want, Buffalo. Just keep the wings coming.

#8 Baltimore, Maryland

One would think a place nicknamed Charm City could not earn such a distinction, but survey respondents ranked Baltimore eighth on the list. Baltimore was also named one of the worst-run cities in the nation recently, with education and crime as its most pressing problems. So, Baltimoreans could just be cranky.

#9 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love notwithstanding, Philly received enough votes to land the No. 9 spot. Five major professional sports teams make for a lot of sports fans in one city, and Philly’s sports enthusiasts have an intense reputation. Maybe Philadelphia’s residents just really love their teams!

#10 San Francisco, California

San Francisco, the charming city with beautiful homes and iconic streetcars? Yes, said survey respondents, who ranked SF the 10th rudest city. San Francisco’s cyclists have contributed to Frisco’s rude reputation, with one journalist labeling them “an invading army.”

Not everyone in these 10 cities is rude, of course, but something about each city landed them on this list. Rude cities of America, can’t we all just get along?

References: The Rudest Cities in America, Ranked According to a New Insider Survey | New York City | Michiganders are Rude | Who Invented Buffalo Wings? | Baltimore Ranks Among the Worst-Run Cities in America, According to a New Study | About Subaru Park