A Ranking of the Toughest Places to Live in the U.S.

In Roseland, you’ll see murals of hope painted on walls crumbling from neglect. Once envisioned as a blue-collar dream, today it’s a South Side neighborhood burdened by high homicide rates, vacant lots, and food deserts.

Nearly 44% of children live below the poverty line. Generations of families still call Roseland home, but daily life often requires endurance—navigating failing schools, dodging violence, and coping with systemic disrepair. Still, the soul of the neighborhood hasn’t vanished.