New York: Reported as the loneliest major city in the world despite its size and activity — people often feel isolated even in dense urban crowds. (File image)
World
N
News1814-01-2026, 18:37

World's Loneliest Cities: New York, LA, Seattle Among Top Isolating Urban Hubs

  • New York is dubbed the "loneliest city" due to fast-paced lifestyles, long work hours, and tiny apartments hindering deep connections.
  • Budapest experiences high loneliness among older adults and young professionals due to social withdrawal, economic stress, and limited open social spaces.
  • Lisbon's gentrification and tourism lead to locals feeling disconnected, while expats and digital nomads struggle to form deep friendships.
  • Los Angeles' car-dependent living, urban sprawl, and status-driven social scenes make genuine connection difficult, leading to feelings of being socially replaceable.
  • Seattle is known for the "Seattle Freeze," where polite but distant social behavior and introverted norms intensify feelings of loneliness, especially during long winters.

Why It Matters: Despite being densely populated, several global cities foster profound loneliness due to various socio-economic factors.

More like this

Loading more articles...