1. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo has been “next” for about three decades now. Every few years, there’s a burst of excitement around revitalizing its waterfront, new investment in the medical corridor, or the latest snowfall record. People talk about the architectural gems and how it’s “just a short drive to Niagara Falls,” like that’s a real draw. But the city continues to battle population decline and a stubbornly sluggish economy, according to Edward L. Glaeser of City Journal.
Despite some signs of life—like the expansion of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and new breweries—the city can’t quite shake its Rust Belt blues. Young professionals often leave for better jobs elsewhere, and large portions of the city still struggle with poverty. There’s always potential, but it never quite blooms fully. Buffalo stays stuck in pre-launch mode.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is the artsy mountain town that’s been “about to blow up” since the early 2000s. It’s got the breweries, the Blue Ridge views, and a free-spirited downtown scene that keeps luring tourists and remote workers. But beyond the Instagrammable murals and $9 oat milk lattes, there’s a growing housing crisis and not nearly enough infrastructure to handle the hype, according to Jane Winik Sartwell of Carolina Public Press. Locals are getting priced out, and real economic diversification hasn’t followed the buzz.
City leaders have long promised sustainable growth and innovation, but high-paying jobs remain scarce. Asheville has an identity as a progressive enclave, but it’s often out of step with its surrounding region and struggles with regional tensions. Its brand is stronger than its backbone. The vibe is great for a weekend, but hard to scale up.
3. Providence, Rhode Island
Every couple of years, someone calls Providence the “next Brooklyn.” It’s got a top-tier art school (RISD), charming old architecture, and a manageable size that makes it feel almost European. But despite the buzz, Providence never fully transitions into the creative-class paradise it’s pitched as. Unemployment lingers above the national average, and the tax burden is high, according to Michael DiBiase and Justine Oliva of The Boston Globe.
There’s a persistent gap between the city’s branding and its reality. Gentrification hasn’t brought widespread prosperity, and many neighborhoods still suffer from underinvestment. Major employers are limited, and graduates of Brown or RISD often head straight for Boston or NYC. Providence stays perpetually promising, but never delivers the full package.
4. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is always one redevelopment project away from a comeback—or so the headlines say. The city has impressive cultural institutions, a historic downtown, and a surprisingly good food scene. But those perks are often overshadowed by crime rates, a shrinking population, and a downtown that struggles to retain vitality after 5 p.m., according to James Drew of the St. Louis Business Journal. A few sparkly projects like Ballpark Village and Cortex have yet to ripple out meaningfully.
Decades of racial tension and suburban flight have left deep scars. The metro area is fragmented and often operates like a collection of small cities instead of one cohesive whole. And while there’s energy in certain pockets, systemic issues make real progress difficult. St. Louis always seems like it’s on the verge of a reinvention that never quite lands.
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque often shows up on “hidden gem” lists, but staying hidden seems to be the problem. The city offers amazing natural beauty, low cost of living, and a rich blend of cultures. But a sluggish job market and high crime rates keep it from fully turning the corner. Despite its size, Albuquerque struggles to retain talent, especially young professionals.
There’s also been uneven development, with certain neighborhoods seeing investment while others are left behind. The tech and film industries have brought some hope, but not at the scale needed to flip the city’s fortunes. Public transit is limited, and the downtown area remains more concept than destination. It’s like Albuquerque is waiting for a spark that never quite catches fire.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh gets credit for reinventing itself from a steel town to a tech and education hub. But while Google and Uber have offices, the broader economic gains haven’t reached everyone. Many of the city’s old neighborhoods are stuck between gentrification and disrepair, and income inequality is growing. The job market is still anchored by eds and meds, with limited room for upward mobility.
There’s always buzz around the city’s “grit” and “character,” but buzz doesn’t pay the rent. Transit is improving, but still not up to par for a city trying to attract a modern workforce. The population remains flat, and young people often see it as a stepping stone, not a final destination. Pittsburgh feels like a success story in slow motion—always mid-transition.
7. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has become a favorite of lifestyle bloggers and foodies alike, with a strong creative community and hip neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition. But beneath the craft beer and cobblestone charm is a city still grappling with entrenched inequality. The public school system is chronically underfunded, and racial disparities are hard to ignore. While some areas boom, others are locked in cycles of disinvestment.
Startups have been slow to scale, and larger employers often pass the city by in favor of D.C. or Charlotte. Downtown revitalization has seen progress, but it’s uneven and fragile. Richmond often feels like it’s got all the ingredients but keeps fumbling the recipe. It’s on the verge, perpetually, but never quite makes it across the finish line.
8. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has been “coming back” for 20 years, according to every magazine profile since 2005. And yes, there are sleek lofts downtown, stylish coffee shops, and a shiny new stadium or two. But outside of a few revitalized corridors, many neighborhoods are still struggling with blight, poverty, and underfunded services. The city’s rebound has been wildly uneven, and that’s putting it kindly.
The auto industry is still a major player, but not the safety net it once was. Young creatives moved in, but many eventually leave when job prospects plateau. Public transit is minimal for a city its size, and regional cooperation with the suburbs is limited. Detroit’s narrative is stuck between potential and pain.
9. Spokane, Washington
Spokane is often pitched as Seattle’s more affordable, less chaotic cousin. And yes, it’s cheaper and has outdoor access galore, but its economic base is far thinner. The healthcare and education sectors dominate, with few high-growth industries to backfill the rest. The downtown area has improved, but remains inconsistent in feel and safety.
There’s been a surge of new residents, but infrastructure hasn’t caught up. Locals worry about rising housing costs without the wage increases to match. And despite the hype, Spokane lacks a cultural magnetism strong enough to hold onto its transplants. It’s been “on the brink” for a decade, but still hasn’t taken the leap.
10. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland has rock and roll, LeBron nostalgia, and a passionate local spirit. It also has a population that keeps dropping and a reputation for economic stagnation that’s hard to shake. There are bright spots, like the Cleveland Clinic and some gains in biotech, but those haven’t translated into widespread prosperity. Revitalization efforts downtown haven’t moved far enough into the neighborhoods.
Crime remains an issue, and public education is under strain. Many of the “up-and-coming” developments feel like they’re stuck in second gear. Cleveland always seems like it’s about five years away from arriving—just like it was five years ago. The city has heart, but heart alone doesn’t fund a comeback.
11. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa has tried everything, including offering people $10,000 to move there. The city’s music and art scenes are vibrant, and there’s legitimate pride in its revitalized downtown. But the broader economy is still oil-heavy, and that volatility shows. Diversity in job sectors remains a challenge, as does public transportation.
Infrastructure is aging, and income inequality continues to rise. Tulsa’s image makeover hasn’t fully taken hold outside the city itself. And while the cost of living is low, wages often are too. Tulsa seems to get people in the door but struggles to keep them long-term.
12. Sacramento, California
Sacramento has long been billed as California’s affordable alternative. But as Bay Area transplants move in, housing prices have skyrocketed, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Job opportunities beyond state government are still limited, and many residents commute to the Bay for better wages. It’s caught in an identity crisis between sleepy capital and second-tier tech hub.
There’s been investment in the downtown area and new housing developments, but the sprawl is hard to ignore. Culture is growing, but it doesn’t yet rival other mid-size cities. Sacramento is in a constant state of “almost cool.” And after decades of potential, it’s still not fully sure what it wants to be.
