Pawtucket, RI, United States

With a population of just 75,604, Pawtucket is a compact city struggling to retain its industrial heritage. The median household income hovers around $52,902, well below the national average, and over 14% of residents live in poverty. While the city boasts a historic textile mill and arts scene, persistent bureaucracy and the occasional flare-up of gang violence are an inescapable part of daily life. Pawtucket may appeal to those seeking an authentic, blue-collar New England experience, but it's no vibrant, thriving metropolis.