1. Austin, Texas
Austin’s rapid tech-fueled growth has turned it from a laid-back college town into one of the country’s hottest—and most expensive—real estate markets. Median rent has tripled in parts of the city over the past decade, with some neighborhoods like South Congress and East Austin now seeing average rents above $2,900. The influx of wealth and companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Google has transformed the skyline and the cost of living. But with the rising cost of housing has come displacement, inequality, and tension.
Crime rates have followed suit, according to Tan Radford of Fox7. Aggravated assaults in the city rose by over 20% between 2019 and 2023, and vehicle thefts surged by more than 40%. Austin’s police staffing shortages have only added to residents’ frustrations, especially as the city debates how to fund public safety. Many long-time Austinites say the city feels unfamiliar—and not always in a good way.
2. Denver, Colorado
Denver used to be a hidden gem for people who wanted mountain views without big-city prices. But rents have more than tripled since the early 2010s, especially in trendy areas like LoDo and RiNo, where one-bedroom apartments can now hit $2,800 or more. The cannabis boom and remote work movement brought in new wealth—and pushed out working-class families. The city’s growth hasn’t been evenly distributed, and that economic divide is showing up in public safety.
Property crime in Denver rose nearly 30% from 2018 to 2023, and catalytic converter thefts in particular have exploded. Violent crimes like assault and robbery also saw double-digit increases, especially in central and northeast neighborhoods. The unhoused population has grown as affordable housing vanished, creating friction and straining public services. Locals love the scenery, but many worry the vibe is shifting from outdoorsy and chill to anxious and expensive.
3. Portland, Oregon
Portland has long marketed itself as weird, artsy, and affordable—at least compared to Seattle or San Francisco. But that affordability is now a thing of the past, with rents in popular neighborhoods like Alberta and Sellwood tripling since 2010. The city’s population ballooned by nearly 100,000 over the past decade, driven by West Coast expats and tech remote workers. That growth coincided with a visible housing crisis and more social unrest.
Violent crime in Portland hit a three-decade high in 2022, with homicides more than doubling from pre-2020 numbers. Property crimes have also climbed, and downtown remains a hot spot for both petty theft and drug-related offenses, according to Meira Gebel of Axios. The city’s response has been a mix of progressive reforms and controversial policing strategies—none of which have solved the root problems. Renters are now stuck between skyrocketing costs and a shrinking sense of safety.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s booming entertainment and healthcare sectors have turned it into one of the South’s fastest-growing cities. Between 2011 and 2023, rents tripled in many parts of town, especially in East Nashville and The Gulch. As tourism and development flourished, longtime residents found themselves priced out of their own neighborhoods. What used to be a city of musicians and makers is now packed with high-rise condos and Airbnb units.
At the same time, crime has surged in both volume and visibility, according to Sierra Rains of WKRN. Nashville Metro Police reported significant increases in vehicle thefts and gun-related incidents over the last five years. Homicides hit record highs in 2021 and have remained elevated since. Locals say the rapid transformation hasn’t just driven up rent—it’s also left parts of the city feeling unfamiliar and more dangerous.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s real estate boom has hit renters hard, with median rents in hot areas like Midtown and Westside tripling since the early 2010s. The city has become a magnet for young professionals and corporations alike—Microsoft, Google, and Airbnb have all expanded operations there. But the new wealth hasn’t lifted all boats. Displacement and gentrification have widened the gap between rich and poor, with tangible effects on neighborhood safety.
Crime, especially gun violence and auto theft, has spiked in recent years. In 2022 alone, Atlanta saw over 15,000 reported motor vehicle thefts, a sharp increase from previous years. While some areas have improved their safety infrastructure, others—particularly on the city’s south and west sides—have struggled. It’s a classic case of uneven development, and the consequences are showing up on police blotters.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has seen a population boom over the last decade, fueled by transplants from California and other high-cost states. As demand spiked, rents followed—tripling in some parts of the city like Arcadia and Roosevelt Row since 2012. What used to be a relatively affordable metro area now has average rents hovering around $2,000, putting strain on working families. The real estate surge hasn’t been matched with enough housing development, adding fuel to the fire.
Unfortunately, crime rates have climbed alongside the cost of living, according to Brevan Branscum of the Phoenix Business Journal. Aggravated assaults and car thefts have both risen significantly since 2020, with Phoenix PD reporting a consistent uptick year after year. The city’s sprawling nature makes it tough to police effectively, and some neighborhoods report feeling forgotten. It’s a frustrating paradox: Phoenix is more desirable than ever, but many residents feel less secure.
7. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s transformation into a tech hub, thanks to giants like Amazon and Microsoft, brought massive economic growth—but also crushing rent hikes. In areas like Capitol Hill and Belltown, rents have tripled since the early 2010s, with one-bedrooms now easily clearing $2,800. That’s pushed middle- and low-income residents further out or into homelessness, a crisis the city continues to grapple with. The intense cost of living has fundamentally reshaped who can afford to call Seattle home.
Crime has surged in tandem, particularly in property-related offenses like burglary and vehicle theft. Gun violence also rose sharply after 2020, with downtown Seattle seeing a troubling spike in shootings. The city’s efforts to reform and defund parts of its police department have sparked controversy—and may have complicated emergency response. While Seattle’s skyline grows shinier, some locals say the streets feel a little less safe.
8. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s rent situation is practically legendary at this point. In some neighborhoods, rents have tripled—or even quadrupled—since 2010, reaching highs above $3,500 for a one-bedroom. Tech wealth brought opulence and innovation but also extreme inequality, and the middle class has all but vanished from the city core. With so many people living paycheck to paycheck or displaced entirely, tensions have boiled over.
Crime, particularly theft and break-ins, has been a persistent problem. Car break-ins became so rampant that some residents famously began leaving trunks open to show there was nothing to steal. Though violent crime remains lower than in some other large cities, property crime and drug-related incidents are way up in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and SoMa. Residents often feel the city’s prosperity is only for the few, while the safety net for the rest has frayed.
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly used to be a haven for artists, students, and young families priced out of New York or D.C.—but that’s changing fast. Rents in gentrifying neighborhoods like Fishtown and Brewerytown have tripled in the past decade, pricing out long-time residents. The city has seen a boom in luxury development, yet still struggles with poverty in vast swaths of North and West Philly. That contrast has become more and more stark—and so has the rise in crime.
The city’s gun violence crisis has drawn national headlines, with over 500 homicides in 2021 alone—the highest number in decades. While numbers have dipped slightly, they’re still far above historic averages. Carjackings, robberies, and assaults have become more common in residential areas once considered safe. Philly’s grit is part of its charm, but for many, it’s starting to feel a little too real.
10. Miami, Florida
Miami’s rental market exploded during the pandemic as remote workers and investors flooded in. Areas like Brickell and Wynwood have seen rents more than triple since the early 2010s, with high-end condos and short-term rentals replacing much of the city’s older housing stock. The sunshine and no-income-tax appeal have drawn the wealthy—but working-class residents have been squeezed to the margins. The glamor has a dark side, especially when it comes to public safety.
Crime rates, especially related to burglary and assault, have risen in tandem with the city’s growth. Gun violence remains a persistent issue in neighborhoods like Liberty City and Overtown, while property crimes plague tourist-heavy districts. The Miami Police Department has acknowledged resource gaps, especially when it comes to staffing for growing communities. It’s a tale of two cities: sleek high-rises and yacht parties on one end, and rising fear of crime on the other.
11. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis may not have been on every coastal renter’s radar a decade ago, but it’s seen sharp price hikes since 2012—especially in neighborhoods like Uptown and the North Loop. Rents there have tripled in many cases, as new luxury apartments and lakefront development drive gentrification. The city saw an influx of new residents during the remote work boom, but the supply of affordable housing didn’t keep up. Long-time locals say they’re being priced out of the places they grew up in.
Crime has also spiked, particularly since 2020. Homicides doubled between 2019 and 2021 and remained elevated into 2024, while carjackings and robberies soared to unprecedented levels. Following George Floyd’s death and the resulting unrest, the city faced police staffing shortages and deep community distrust. Even as new investments come in, many residents feel caught between rising costs and rising risks.
12. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just for tourists anymore—it’s become a popular spot for transplants from California and Arizona, thanks to its relatively low taxes and sunshine. But with all the new demand, rents have tripled in places like Henderson and Summerlin since the early 2010s. What was once a budget-friendly city for retirees and hospitality workers is now struggling with a housing crunch. Median rent across the valley now tops $2,000, leaving many Nevadans scrambling.
Crime has risen in parallel, especially property crimes and assaults. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported notable spikes in home burglaries and vehicle thefts over the past five years. Some neighborhoods near the Strip and in the northwest valley have seen more violent incidents, adding to resident unease. People may still come to Vegas to roll the dice—but locals are finding that just living there now carries more risk than before.
13. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital has always had a high cost of living, but in the last decade, rents in gentrifying areas like Shaw, Columbia Heights, and Navy Yard have more than tripled. The influx of tech firms, lobbyists, and federal contractors has driven up prices and pushed many working-class residents into Maryland or far Southeast D.C. What was once a city of government workers and small neighborhoods has become a playground for luxury developers. And that kind of growth, as always, comes with social tension.
Crime has been a top concern for D.C. residents in recent years. Homicides hit a 20-year high in 2023, and carjackings and robberies remain frequent, especially in transitioning neighborhoods. The city’s law enforcement agencies are under pressure to balance reform with rising demand for safer streets. With rent stretching wallets thin and crime rates rising, even life in the shadow of the Capitol feels increasingly precarious.
