The U.S. Cities with The Rudest Residents in 2024
If you've traveled around the USA, you've likely met both friendly folks and some less pleasant ones. Have you ever considered which cities in America might be the rudest?
When thinking of rude behavior, actions like ignoring someone, cutting someone off in traffic, or making a snarky comment might come to mind. However, a study by Preply.com surveyed residents in over a dozen U.S. cities to identify which ones have the reputation for the rudest inhabitants.
The research involved questions about how frequently people witness rude behavior, their perceptions of locals versus newcomers, and also incorporated data from a similar study conducted in 2022.
Miami, FL, is known for having some of the rudest residents due to behaviors like a lack of awareness in public, being loud in shared spaces, and rudeness to service staff. Philadelphia, PA, is the second rudest, but its residents have actually become kinder since 2022 when they were ranked number one. However, not all cities have shown improvement.
Some cities have become noticeably ruder than they were in 2022. Louisville, KY, Charlotte, NC, and Austin, TX, all moved up at least five spots on the rudest cities list, and Chicago, IL, moved up by one spot.
Overall, people across the country notice rude behavior, which affects their view of Americans. When asked to rate the rudeness of their city’s residents on a scale from 0 to 10 (with 10 being the rudest), locals rate their city at 4.9 on average. Although many factors can influence social behavior, about half of the people believe their city’s residents have become ruder as the next presidential election approaches.
Cities in the U.S. Where People Are the Least Rude?
While some cities are known for less favorable behaviors, others have a reputation for being more polite and welcoming. In 2024, Omaha, NE, Minneapolis, MN, and San Diego, CA, were ranked among the least rude cities. Whether you’re enjoying the midwestern charm in Omaha, experiencing the neighborly spirit in Minneapolis, or embracing the friendly and laid-back vibe in San Diego, these cities generally provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Looking back at 2022, cities like San Diego, CA, showed significant improvement in kindness, dropping 15 spots on the list of rudest cities. The cities that made the most progress by moving down the list of rudeness included Washington D.C., Detroit, MI, San Jose, CA, and Milwaukee, WI.
