Five great U.S. cities I love to hate

An unpopular opinion to some readers, perhaps

When I visit New York City, I take in the magnificent museums, the wonderful dining and entertainment scene and the delightful people.

But if I’m driving around Manhattan for an hour, looking for a parking place, navigating dirty subway stairways and trying to find somewhere — anywhere — that is outside of earshot of another human, I take pause.

That’s the contrary nature of many of my travel adventures. The greatness of a destination coexists with the downside.

Here are five U.S. cities that I love dearly, but have their share of problems. Some are inconvenient, many are dirty, others are suffering due to economic factors or apathy.

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of New York City. (Photo by John Naughton.)

New York, New York.

You’ll start spreading the word when you rave about Broadway, the Big Apple’s museums and pastrami sandwiches so big you’ll have leftovers for days.

But then, have you ever tried to find a parking spot in Manhattan? Or carefully negotiate a walk past bags of garbage sitting on the sidewalk?

There’s much to love, and much to dislike.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is perhaps the nation’s best. From pizza to paneer, the food scene is unmatched for diversity. And attending a Yankees game is a thrill on its own.

I’ve driven in New York City several times, and it is not a pleasant experience. The drivers are rude and noisy, and the bicycle messengers run red lights. All the red lights. Times Square itself is an area with cheaply made and overpriced souvenirs.

My advice: Take mass transit when possible. Plan ahead. And stay on your toes.

Atlanta has history, culture and great Southern food. But to get to those gems, you’ll have to dodge aggressive panhandlers and drive through dizzying road construction.

Atlanta’s Truist Park is a great place to see a baseball game. (Photo by John Naughton.)

Is it worth the trip to walk down Peachtree Street when you know you’ll be targeted by people who beg for money… and if you choose to give, you may get even more hassle because the recipient wants more.