There are numerous exciting cities throughout the U.S., each filled with vibrant culture, thriving nightlife, outdoor adventures, and fine dining. However, there are still plenty of places in America where excitement is lacking and boredom rules.
One of the smartest money moves as a homeowner is to live in a place with close access to things that excite you. Living in a boring city can only work for so long before ennui sets in.
Here are the 15 most boring cities in the country, as ranked by FinanceBuzz. Our scoring criteria included factors such as population makeup, culinary scene, access to outdoor adventures, nightlife, and recreational activities.
Tulsa, Oklahoma – 23.3
/images/2025/02/05/downtown-tulsa-oklahoma.jpg)
Tulsa has a vibrant history, but it falls short in nightlife and culinary diversity by quite a bit. With fewer than five music venues per 100,000 people, there's very little going on.
Colorado Springs, Colorado – 23.1
/images/2023/11/10/downtown-colorado-springs-with-pikes-peak.jpeg)
While there are plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, Colorado Springs has little else going on. Lack of nightlife, food diversity, and a remote location make it lack the zest of other parts of the country.
Lexington, Kentucky – 22.7
/images/2025/06/06/lexington-kentucky.jpg)
There's some southern charm in Lexington, but little else is going on. With low scores in nightlife and a lack of serious attractions, you'll have to make your own fun most of the time.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Louisville, Kentucky – 21.9
/images/2025/06/14/louisville-kentucky-ohio-river-adobe.jpg)
Besides the Kentucky Derby, there's a significant lack of cultural events in Louisville. Without a diverse music/art scene and loads of chain restaurants, there's something sorely lacking here in what could be a very charming city.
Albuquerque, New Mexico – 21.6
/images/2024/10/15/albuquerque-new-mexico-usa-cityscape-adobe.jpg)
Given its remote location, it's no surprise that Albuquerque scores low in nightlife and culinary categories. Besides outdoor adventures, there's little else to do in this mountain town.
Trending Stories
Phoenix, Arizona – 20.5
/images/2024/01/22/scottsdale-arizona-downtown-phoenix.jpeg)
The city seems to be growing more every year, but there's little else to entertain that population. Phoenix has 1.7 concert venues per 100,000 residents, which is the third-lowest of any city in the country, so there's little to do, especially during the blazing summer months.
Tallahassee, Florida – 20.5
/images/2023/12/25/tallahassee-florida-usa-with-purple-sky.jpeg)
This bustling college town has youthful energy but little else. So if college tailgating isn't your favorite thing, you're going to be bored by the lack of cultural amenities, concert venues, and outdoor adventures.
Columbus, Ohio – 20.3
/images/2021/11/17/columbus-ohio.jpg)
Another big-time college town that will bore you quickly unless you're going to an Ohio State football game. The city has some of the lowest numbers of nightclubs and must-see attractions per capita in the country.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 20.0
/images/2022/06/27/oklahoma_city_oklahoma.jpg)
The city lacks robust outdoor adventures and has a poor parks score. 53% of all restaurants are chains, so there's a dearth of culinary options as well. Unless you're a big NBA fan, you'll find there's little else to do in Oklahoma's capital beyond watching the Thunder.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
San Antonio, Texas – 19.2
/images/2024/02/05/san-antonio-texas.jpg)
San Antonio is home to numerous historical attractions, including the Alamo and the River Walk. However, beyond that, there is little else to do, as the city ranks low in terms of nightlife, events, and concert venues.
Memphis, Tennessee – 19.0
/images/2024/06/11/memphis-tennessee-skyline-over-beale-street.jpeg)
Despite a vibrant music scene, there's little else going on in Memphis. The city has the fewest hiking trails per capita of any locale on this list. And if you're not a big music fan, you'll find even fewer nightlife options.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota – 18.2
/images/2024/04/22/lovely-park-sioux-city-south-dakota.jpeg)
The remote location and sparse population make Sioux Falls a less-than-ideal place for interesting eateries and nightlife attractions. While there is plenty of wilderness surrounding the city, 58 percent of the restaurants are chains, the highest in the country.
Corpus Christi, Texas – 14.8
/images/2023/06/12/corpus-christi-skyline-with-golden-lights-in-texas.jpeg)
Located way at the bottom of the state, there is little to do in Corpus Christi. With no award-winning restaurants and a lack of sports teams and concerts, you'll really have to love beach life if you want to live here.
Wichita, Kansas – 14.7
/images/2023/04/28/wichita-kansas-skyline-with-greenery.jpeg)
While the city has the largest population in the state of Kansas, there's a significant lack of food options and tourist attractions. There are a lot of outdoor activities to do, but without a bustling nightlife or cosmopolitan bent, you'll find there's little else to do.
Jacksonville, Florida – 14.3
/images/2023/08/25/jacksonville_florida_usa_city_skyline.jpg)
Believe it or not, Jacksonville is actually the largest city in the U.S. by area, spanning a whopping 875 square miles. Still, that means a super low population density and a lack of nightclubs and restaurants. Since everything is so spread out and public transit is nonexistent, you'll have to find ways to entertain yourself at home.
Bottom line
/images/2025/06/14/confused-couple-of-tourists-adobe.jpg)
These sprawling metropolises might have all the trappings of fun cities, but they lack the interesting things that keep citizens engaged. One of the most surprising financial mistakes you can make is relocating to a city lacking in excitement and entertainment. Not just that, but the majority of the cities on this list are filled with chain restaurants, which limit your healthy food options when you go out to eat.
To get the best of both worlds, consider moving out to the suburbs of a major metro area, or move to a place that has exactly the kind of excitement you're looking for. If you're going to live there, you might as well have fun too.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
- Apply Now
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.