Ranking the 12 Scariest Locations in the United States, According to Americans
The United States is known for its multifarious range of cities and towns, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. While many places offer captivating beauty and exciting experiences, some have gained a reputation for being unsettling or downright terrifying. Recently people shared their encounters and impressions of the scariest places in the U.S.
1. East St. Louis, Illinois: A City Shrouded in Fear
An individual recounts their chilling experience in East St. Louis, where dread became a constant companion. Despite initially walking around the area without much concern, hindsight revealed the risks they had unwittingly taken. Staying in an economical motel, they were unfortunate witnesses to multiple assaults in the parking lot, encountering injured people who had been attacked. A tragic robbery and murder at a nearby Burger King and a rolling meth lab in the motel parking lot further marred the atmosphere. Then the person was held at gunpoint during a robbery at a gas station. East St. Louis is a testament to urban life’s darker side.
2. Camden, New Jersey: A Troubled City on the Edge
Described as an immensely troubled place, Camden, New Jersey, has earned its reputation as a city teetering on the brink. An observer expresses their fear of this locale, shedding light on the dire state of the city. The police force’s strike due to low pay created a power shift, empowering criminals and leaving the city unstable. Visitors are advised to leave the area before sunset, emphasizing the perceived danger that lurks in Camden’s streets.
3. The Sobering Reality of Alcohol Laws in Utah
An Australian-turned-American citizen, now living in suburban Utah, shares their perspective on the strict alcohol laws in the United States, particularly in Utah. Highlighting the contrast with their homeland, the individual suggests that the regulations surrounding alcohol in Utah would shock and scare their friends back home. “I know a lot of my mates back home would be absolutely terrified if they knew about the alcohol laws here.” These laws, markedly different from what Australians are accustomed to, contribute to an atmosphere of fear and unfamiliarity for people unaccustomed to such strict regulations.
4. Colorado City, Arizona: Unnerving Encounters in a Polygamist Enclave
Colorado City, Arizona, is a haunting place with an eerie atmosphere. Founded by the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints church, polygamists predominantly inhabited this town. A traveler driving through the area recounts a sense of unease, witnessing the rapid retreat of women and children into their homes while men fixated unsettling gazes upon them. Combining a reclusive community and an unsettling atmosphere creates a discomforting experience for outsiders.
5. The Troubled Streets of Oakland, California: A Road Trip Gone Wrong
During a road trip, an adventurer found themselves in the troubled part of Oakland, California, an area notorious for its high crime rate. The individual describes a chilling scene where the streets were deserted except for a few rundown vehicles careening down the wrong side of the road. Astonishingly, police cars sped past without pursuing the reckless drivers. The sound of gunshots filled the air, leaving the person bewildered and uneasy. Passing multiple police cars with flashing lights, they suddenly found themselves in an upscale neighborhood, adding to their bewilderment and discomfort.
6. Gloucester City, New Jersey: Unwelcome Atmosphere for Black Individuals
Gloucester City, located near Camden, emerges as one of the scariest places for black people. The individual attributes this unsettling atmosphere to a combination of racism and a demographic primarily dominated by Irish-American Catholics. These factors have contributed to a hostile environment that makes individuals from the black community feel unsafe and unwelcome. The shadow of discrimination casts a blue light over Gloucester City.
7. Oniontown, New York: The Mysterious Enclave
Nestled in New York, Oniontown remains shrouded in mystery. Limited information about this town only adds to its enigmatic reputation. The individual compares the residents of Oniontown to vampires, evoking a sense of fear and unease associated with the place. The lack of details or knowledge about the town leaves visitors with an unsettling curiosity about its secrets.
8. Centralia, Pennsylvania: A Ghost Town
Centralia is a small borough in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, United States. It gained notoriety due to an underground coal mine fire that has been burning since 1962, resulting in the town being mostly abandoned. The fire, which started in a coal seam beneath the town, released toxic gases and made the area unsafe for habitation. The exact cause of the fire is unknown.
9. Galveston, Texas: The Haunted Island
Galveston, Texas, carries the weight of its haunted past. The devastating 1900 storm left an indelible mark on the island, and many buildings are associated with ghost stories and tales of haunting. Visitors to Galveston cannot escape the eerie atmosphere that permeates the island, generating a sense of fear and unease for those who dare to explore its haunted corners. Beyond the ghost stores, another individual stated, “And to top it all off, it has a Biosafety level 4 research center on the island. It houses things like the bubonic plague and other super contagious diseases. Did I mention hurricanes are frequent here?”
10. Stockton, California: A City Struggling with Its Demons
Stockton, California, garners a bad reputation, according to one individual’s personal experience and perception. The strong language used signifies their disappointment and frustration with the city. The characterization suggests significant issues and challenges contributing to Stockton’s negative reputation, painting a picture of a city grappling with its demons.
11. Opa-Locka, Florida: High Crime Rates
Opa Locka has one of the highest crime rates in the country. One American stated, “The train stop at Opa-Locka almost looks post-apocalyptic.” Another said, “You had to drive through there to get to the old Marlins stadium and it was pretty terrifying.”
12. Almost Any Walmart in the Country
Last but not least, one of the most popular answers that Americans gave for “the scariest place in America” is their local Walmart. One American said, “Can confirm – source: have seen many things in Walmarts that can’t be unseen.” Another stated, “My 3-year-old walked into Walmart the other day and asked me if we were at the zoo. Basically.”
Source: Reddit
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