First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to learning about new cities. Overarching ideas about metropolises can be helpful, but they can also overshadow their more nuanced realities.
Many cities are made up of bustling neighborhoods, local businesses, and complex cultures, so it’s unwise to judge them by the stereotypes you hear.
Instead of relying on other people’s perspectives, explore and make a judgment on a city for yourself.
When that’s not an option, educate yourself about stereotypes that aren’t always true. The goal is to be open to learning more about the true heart of certain places.
Here are 24 common city stereotypes that aren’t very fair:
1. New York City Is the Dirtiest
While it can be hard to keep up with residents in The City That Never Sleeps, that doesn’t mean every NYC street and subway stop is littered with trash.
This stereotype may be true for some areas due to a surprising lack of alleyways to hide trash, but the city has made significant strides in the past decade.
The air quality in New York City is better than it has been in the past ten years, and sanitation departments are working on solutions to keep trash off the curb.
These strides have placed NYC in a surprisingly much better standing in terms of cleanliness compared to others like Houston and Newark.
2. People From The Big Apple Are Rude
Saying something as generic as “New Yorkers are rude” isn’t true because no two people are the same.
Residents of New York City come from all walks of life, and every single one of them has a different personality. Furthermore, a person’s perspective on what “rude” means is subjective.
Bumping into someone on the street without apologizing might be considered rude by some, but in a city of over 8 million residents, it’s something that inevitably happens every day; it’s just the way it is.
3. Parisians Are Stuck-up
While some Parisians might be averse to tourists taking up space, others are eager to show the world the place they call home. Just like no two New Yorkers are the same, Parisians aren’t either.
Many people’s perception of a place is shaped by their own culture; going to places like Paris with an open mind might help you see the city and its residents in a different light.
4. Detroit Is Dangerous
Like any other city, Detroit has some areas that are good and others that aren’t. While some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, certain parts of the city are a haven for lovers of art and culture, featuring different museums and markets.
Many residents and visitors consider the city to be an underrated place for tourists to visit. Doing research before visiting might lead to being surprised by all the beauty there is to uncover.
5. Chicago Is Treacherous Too
While Chicago has faced a bad reputation in the past, its crime rate is declining. At the end of 2023, ABC News reported a double-digit decline in homicides for the second consecutive year.
Especially in big areas popular among tourists, like Millenium Park and the Loop, you can enjoy the sights feeling pretty safe.
The source recommends not denying yourself the joy of deep-dish pizza or a game at Wrigley Field because of this stereotype; as long as you use common sense, like anywhere else, you can expect to have a good time.
6. New Orleans Is All About Partying
New Orleans is much more than a party city. There’s so much to see beyond Bourbon Street, from jazz shows in the French Quarter to tours of its historic houses and plantations and delicious pots of traditional gumbo and jambalaya to try.
Whether you’re a fan of beads and booze or more of a history buff, New Orleans can deliver, having much more to this iconic city than meets the eye.
7. Seattle Is Rainy
Despite its reputation, Seattle isn’t the rainiest city in America; Louisville, Kentucky is. While Seattle’s winters are often wet and cold, its summers are notoriously dry to the point where it can experience smoke from wildfires happening in other parts of the state.
The source suggests this is another reason to never judge a book by its cover (or a city by its stereotype).
8. Miami Is Superficial
Some people may cite reckless drivers in expensive cars and the prominence of nightclubs as reasons for this stereotype, but there’s a lot more to this beautiful beachside spot.
From colorful Art Deco architecture to thrilling airboat rides, it’s a great place for art and outdoorsy people.
While some Americans might consider Miami more superficial, the source recommends making that judgment yourself after a visit.
9. Los Angeles Is for Fake People
Because of its association with celebrities and entertainment, many people make a similar assumption about Los Angeles (LA) as they do about Miami.
Still, Los Angeles is a wonderfully diverse city, with a lot more to its heart than the stereotypes. From riveting museums to concert halls, LA offers plenty of genuine experiences.
Even places like Hollywood have a lot to offer tourists beyond celebrity culture, with abundant rolling hills and serene hikes.
10. Nashville Is Just for Music Lovers
While this southern city has certainly made a name for itself in the world of country music, there’s a lot more to the city than that. Beyond songs, Nashville is also beloved for its bustling food scene and enthralling sights.
You can try authentic hot chicken or pay a visit to the Parthenon, a real-life replica of the structure from ancient Greece. No matter what you like, this city likely has something to offer.
11. Only Hipsters Enjoy Portland
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in Portland, Oregon, is an empathic biker or yoga teacher, although they are present.
Portland is home to people from all walks of life. Aside from prominent subcultures, Portland is an excellent option for people who love music and art.
No matter your background, Portland could be a great place to visit if you’re a fan of concerts or sculptures.
12. There’s Nothing To Do in Asheville
While Asheville might be smaller than other cities on this list, it still offers a lot to do. From brewery tours to picturesque hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges, this city is truly one of North Carolina’s gems.
The idea that southern cities are too rural to properly enjoy is an unfair stereotype about Asheville that isn’t true.
13. Vegas Is the Strip, Nothing More
While Las Vegas has long been associated with drinking, gambling, and excess, there’s a lot more to the city than that.
Beyond the sparkling lights of the Strip, visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, such as Red Rock Canyon or the Bellagio Botanical Gardens.
The nature areas outside the Strip are just one underrated aspect, along with its diverse food offerings. The source advises not writing it off until you’ve seen it yourself.
14. Berlin Is for Young Folks
Berlin has recently become a fixture of the nightclub scene, attracting tourists for techno shows and popular clubs. While this is an aspect, it’s just one small and relatively recent part of the city.
Beyond the clubs, Berlin also has a plethora of cultural and historical monuments to explore, from the Brandenburg Gate to sprawling cathedrals. It is the biggest city in Germany, so don’t put it into a tiny, edgy box.
15. Tampa Is Only Good for Retirees
While plenty of people consider moving to Florida during retirement for its affordability, that’s not all it’s good for. Tampa, often considered one of the best places to retire, is also a great place to explore.
From its picturesque riverwalk to the gorgeous University of Tampa campus and energetic Busch Gardens, there’s much more to Tampa than meets the eye.
16. Austin Is Full of Weird People
While Austin’s slogan is to “Keep Austin Weird,” that doesn’t mean the city is full of crazy people. For Austin, weird means creative and fun, which is what the city offers.
While Austin offers off-the-wall options, many of its biggest assets are its museums, lakes, and bike trails. If you’re a fan of these activities, you might want to visit this popular Texas hub.
17. Jacksonville Is Boring
Jacksonville is one of the smaller cities on this list, but contrary to some belief, it has a lot to offer residents and tourists.
From trendy bars to homey antique stores, there’s plenty to enjoy. For lovers of the outdoors, Jacksonville is an especially great option, featuring plenty of serene nature preserves and parks.
18. Philadelphia’s Only Good Food Is Cheesesteaks
While cheesesteaks are delicious, they aren’t the only food from The City of Brotherly Love. Beyond this classic sandwich, Philly is also a great place to try water ice or scrapple, a popular salty breakfast meat. There’s more to Philadelphia’s culinary scene than cheesesteaks.
19. There’s Nothing To Do in Raleigh
While Raleigh might not offer the same draws as its sister coastal cities, it still has its own wonderful charm.
Raleigh’s walkable downtown area has many trendy new bars and cafes to try, and it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S..
Music venues keep bands coming through, and local events like art festivals are frequent occurrences.
20. Boise Has No Tourist Attractions
Contrary to the belief of those who haven’t been to the Pacific Northwest, Idaho has more to offer than potatoes.
From craft beer to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, there’s plenty to do in Boise, Idaho’s biggest city.
A robust art scene and national forest make Boise a multifaceted place. These qualities, along with a high quality of life, rank Boise as the fourth-best state capital to live in.
21. Cairo Has No Modern Attractions
While old monuments like the pyramids and ancient palaces are a common draw, don’t put Cairo in a box.
It has a lot more to offer, from sprawling mosques to museums housed in modern architectural marvels. There’s something for nearly everyone there.
22. Anchorage Is Lawless
Alaska has more to offer tourists than black bears and hunters holed up in log cabins. Its art and nightlife scenes are bustling, and the accessibility to nature there is unbeatable.
Plus, Anchorage is small enough to avoid big traffic jams most of the time, which the source considers enough of a pull to move there.
23. Charlotte Bores Visitors
Many people assume Charlotte is boring because it’s a predominantly white-collar city. Still, with its bustling arts and culture scene, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Popular attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Whitewater Center are considered enough reason for many tourists to visit. Whether you’re a fan of extreme sports or arts and culture, you can find something in Charlotte.
24. London Is an English Version of NYC
London and New York City are often compared, perhaps due to their large sizes and relative closeness in latitude. Regardless, there’s a lot that’s different between them. For starters, NYC has nearly double the average annual precipitation as London.
However, London has more foliage requiring water, given that about 40% of the city has public green space compared to NYC’s 13%. These two cities are not the same, and London should stand on its own.
Alicia Richards