This City Was Voted the Ugliest in Illinois: Here’s What You Need to Know
According to a new online poll, one Illinois city has been rated the “ugliest” in the whole state, despite the state’s reputation for dynamic cities and lovely little villages. A tourism website sponsored a survey to rate communities in Illinois based on aesthetics, urban design, and general appeal. East St. Louis, a city on Illinois’ western edge along the Mississippi River, grabbed the unfortunate top rank.
The Criteria for the Label
The website’s survey was not based solely on appearance. Crime rates, economic concerns, crumbling infrastructure, and environmental issues were all taken into account. East St. Louis has long suffered from these issues, earning a bad image.
Once a vibrant industrial powerhouse, the city experienced a severe decline in the second part of the twentieth century as firms shuttered and jobs disappeared. This economic crisis left a large number of the city’s buildings empty and in disrepair, leading to the image that the city is unpleasant.
The ranking also considered public opinion, with residents and visitors providing feedback on their experiences. Many respondents mentioned decaying streets, abandoned buildings, and a lack of green spaces as reasons why East St. Louis is less visually appealing than neighboring Illinois cities. However, several people have pointed out that this reputation ignores the city’s rich past and possibilities for future revitalization.
A City Struggling With Economic Problems
East St. Louis has long faced economic issues, which have led to its low ranking. Once a thriving industrial center, the city’s fortunes dwindled in the mid-twentieth century as industries closed and jobs were lost.
Today, East St. Louis has a high unemployment rate and many citizens live below the poverty level. The city’s financial woes are reflected in its aged infrastructure, underused parks, and a lack of investment in public places.
Urban degradation is rampant, with abandoned homes and commercial structures littering the landscape. Many of these structures have been left to rot, providing a bleak and ugly backdrop for both residents and visitors. While the city has attempted to tackle blight, progress has been gradual, and the visual signs of decline have only contributed to the impression of East St. Louis as an “ugly” community.
Efforts at Revitalization
Despite its low rating, East St. Louis isn’t losing up on its future. Local officials and community organizations have been attempting to enhance the city’s image and solve some of the major issues that have contributed to its decline. Recent initiatives have centered on cleaning up abandoned properties, enhancing public safety, and luring new enterprises to the neighborhood.
One bright light is the construction of new residential housing and the rehabilitation of historic buildings, which are intended to revitalize specific areas of the city. Furthermore, community groups are asking for increased financing for public services, such as education and infrastructure projects, to reverse the unfavorable trends that have afflicted East St. Louis for years.
A City with Hidden Potential
While the epithet “ugliest city in Illinois” is unquestionably harsh, many East St. Louis residents and supporters believe the area still has untapped potential. They cite the city’s rich cultural legacy, particularly strong ties to jazz and blues music, as well as its closeness to St. Louis, as reasons why it may one day recover.
Though it now retains the sad reputation of being Illinois’ least attractive city, East St. Louis may be on the path to renewal, demonstrating that even places with a tough history can look forward to a brighter future.
