What are the "most undesirable cities to live in" in Chiba Prefecture? Ranking overview and selection criteria

Chiba Prefecture's "Worst Places to Live in Ranking" is a ranking of areas that are considered difficult to live in, based on word of mouth and reviews from residents and users, as well as various data on the living environment. Even if an area is attractive in terms of rent and convenience, there are large differences in actual livability, such as security, noise, transportation access, and infrastructure development.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the area, including factors such as the convenience of commuting to work or school, the composition of residents, the level of amenities, and even suitability for long-term stays. We will provide useful information for those looking for a rental property or home in Chiba Prefecture to avoid failure.

Why are rankings of cities people don't want to live in so popular?

One of the reasons it has attracted attention is that it reflects the "real voices of residents" that can only be known by living in the area. On the Internet, people share not only superficial impressions and images of the city, but also factors directly related to everyday stress, such as poor security, noisy areas in front of train stations, garbage problems, and inconvenient transportation.

This information is important when considering moving or relocating. Especially for families with children or those starting to live alone, knowing "where not to live" is essential to living a safe and comfortable life.

Main indicators used in the selection (safety, convenience, living environment, etc.)

When selecting cities in Chiba Prefecture that people do not want to live in, we take into consideration a number of objective indicators.

Particular emphasis is placed on

• "Poor security"
• "Congestion of stations and facilities"
• "Inconvenience of transportation"
• "Poor living environment (noise, garbage, lack of parks, etc.)"

Other important criteria are the convenience of public transportation and ease of access to shopping facilities and medical facilities. There are also many cases where underdeveloped infrastructure and high disaster risk are negative factors. In addition to this data, word of mouth from residents and reputations on social media were also collected, and the rankings were evaluated based on the actual experiences of people who "regretted living there," resulting in a more reliable ranking.

Why is it unsuitable for permanent residence if you don't want to live there?

Many of the reasons why a city is considered "unwanted to live in" are that, while it may be acceptable for a temporary stay, the environment can be stressful for long-term living.

For example, areas with poor public safety are unsuitable for permanent residence because of concerns about raising children and going out at night. Additionally, areas with poor transportation access or a lack of medical and educational facilities are likely to be inconvenient as people age and their family structure changes. Furthermore, concerns about the ground, risk of disasters, and the closed nature of local communities are also reasons for avoiding permanent residence.

Cities in Chiba Prefecture that are considered "unwanted to live in" often have a combination of these negative factors, so it's important to check in advance to avoid regrets in the future.

Top 10 cities in Chiba Prefecture you don't want to live in

Cities in Chiba Prefecture that are considered "undesirable to live in" have a variety of negative factors, such as inconvenient transportation, poor public safety, and low convenience for daily life.

Here, we will introduce the areas that are considered difficult to live in, in a ranking format, based on the opinions of actual residents, online reviews, and various data. For those who are considering moving or looking for a home in Chiba Prefecture, it is very important to know in advance which areas are best to avoid.

We will explain in detail why each city on the ranking is difficult to live in and what kind of opinions people have about it.

No.1: Around Chiba Station

While the area around Chiba Station has excellent transport access, many people also say that it is "a town you don't want to live in." The main reasons are the congestion in front of the station, the poor security, and the fact that there are many restaurants that are open late at night, making it difficult to live a peaceful life. In particular, many women living alone and families say they are worried about walking around at night.

Furthermore, while redevelopment is progressing, old buildings and vacant stores are still noticeable in some areas, giving the impression that the city as a whole lacks unity.

No.2: Around Nishi-Funabashi Station

Nishi-Funabashi Station is a transportation hub with multiple lines, but the area is often rated as "difficult to live in. The reasons for this include the chaotic nature of the downtown area around the station, concerns about public safety, and the fact that the station is always crowded due to too many users.

In addition, the crowds and noise issues during rush hour can be stressful, making this an area that people looking for a quieter lifestyle would want to avoid.

No.3: Around Kashiwa Station

The area around Kashiwa Station is convenient with many shopping facilities, but as a living environment, many people say it is "crowded and unsettling." In particular, there are many adult entertainment shops and bars around the east exit of the station, and many people feel uneasy about the safety of the area.

Since the area is constantly crowded with people even late at night, it is considered difficult for people who want to live quietly to live in. Some people also point out noise and littering issues.

No.4: Around Matsudo Station

While Matsudo Station is popular due to its easy access to downtown Tokyo, there are also many complaints about the area's poor security and rough customer base, and it is sometimes listed as a place people don't want to live in.

While redevelopment is progressing in front of the station, the area is still home to an old bar district, and some people are concerned about the atmosphere at night. For women living alone or families with children, it is hard to say that the area is a safe place to live.

No.5: Around Shin-Urayasu Station

Shin-Urayasu Station is lined with luxury apartment buildings and at first glance appears to be a pleasant area to live in, but there are concerns about the weak foundations, risk of liquefaction, and the artificial, inorganic feel of the townscape.

Liquefaction damage was a major issue in the Great East Japan Earthquake, and many people have felt uneasy in this area ever since. Although the area has a good infrastructure, people tend to avoid it due to the risk of disasters.

No.6: Around Ichikawa Station

The area around Ichikawa Station has excellent transport access and is a convenient location for commuting to the city center, but some people complain that there are many old residential areas, making the townscape messy, and that they are concerned about the safety of the area at night.

In addition, the relatively high cost of living and the congestion around the station are also factors that make it difficult to live there. In particular, it is sometimes considered to be somewhat unsuitable for people who want a quiet environment.

No.7: Around Goi Station

Goi Station is an intersection of the Uchibo Line and the Kominato Railway, but the surrounding area is close to an industrial area, and it has issues in terms of convenience and living environment. There are few commercial facilities and few people walking around at night, so it is easy to feel uneasy about crime.

Additionally, the limited number of train services and inconvenient access to downtown Tokyo are also reasons why people say they don't want to live there.

No.8: Around Kisarazu Station

Kisarazu Station can be used to access Tokyo via the Aqualine, but the area is generally car-oriented and it is easy to feel inconvenienced without a car.

Although the areas around the stations are being developed, there are many areas on the outskirts where vacant houses and vacant lots stand out, and it has been pointed out that depopulation is progressing. Many people find it difficult to live there because there are no shopping or medical facilities concentrated there.

No.9: Around Tsudanuma Station

While the area around Tsudanuma Station is rich in commercial facilities, the congestion in front of the station and concerns about public safety are the reasons why it is cited as a "town you don't want to live in." The atmosphere is different between the north and south sides of the station, and there are particularly complaints about the noise at night and smoking on the streets on the south side, which is close to the downtown area.

Another disadvantage is that the area's convenient transportation means it tends to attract people, but it lacks a sense of calm as a living environment.

No.10: Nodashi Station Area

The area around Nodashi Station is a lackluster area, with development in front of the station lagging behind and many vacant stores. In addition, it takes a long time to get to downtown Tokyo, making it inconvenient for people commuting to work or school, and young people tend to avoid the area.

While local ties are strong, there are also reports that it is difficult for people from outside to fit in, and there are cases where people feel stressed while trying to get used to the new environment.

Deeper digging into the reasons why people say they "don't want to live" in Chiba Prefecture

There are some cities in Chiba Prefecture that people say they "don't want to live in," but behind this lie the real voices of the residents and issues unique to the region.

For example, factors such as public safety, noise, garbage issues, and the inconvenience of public transportation are information that you can only see by actually living in the area. Even in areas that appear convenient, the security at night and crowds can be stressful. Furthermore, while redevelopment is progressing, there are cases where a sudden population increase and a construction boom can disrupt the balance of the city.

In this chapter, we will explain in detail the reasons why Chiba Prefecture is perceived as "difficult to live in" from the perspectives of word of mouth, statistics, and urban development.

Real issues revealed through resident feedback and word of mouth

Much of the information about "Cities in Chiba Prefecture you don't want to live in" comes from word of mouth and comments on social media from people who actually live in those cities.

The most common complaints are about everyday life, such as "The streets are dark and scary at night," "It's noisy in front of the station," and "The rules for putting out the trash are not being followed." There are also many complaints about the lack of local services, such as "It's not a comfortable place to live considering the cost of living," and "There's a lack of educational and medical facilities."

These honest opinions convey the "gut feeling" about the livability of an area that is difficult to see through government statistical data alone, and are an important factor to consider when considering moving.

Cities with questionable security and actual crime rates

The most common reason people say they don't want to live there is the poor security situation. Even within Chiba Prefecture, in areas with a concentration of late-night shops around train stations and areas with developed downtown areas, nighttime troubles, noise pollution, and troubles with drunk customers are prominent.

In fact, statistics from the National Police Agency and public data from local governments show that some cities, such as Matsudo City, Kashiwa City, and Chiba City Chuo Ward, have a high number of criminal offenses, which is a cause for concern for young people and women living alone. The first step in choosing a city where you can live safely is to check the crime rate, in addition to the convenience of train stations and the abundance of commercial facilities.

Common features of cities that are easy to access but difficult to live in

There are towns in Chiba prefecture that are considered "difficult to live in" even though they have excellent access to the city center. Typical examples of this are areas with congestion, noise, and late-night security issues around train stations.

For example, Nishi-Funabashi Station and Chiba Station are conveniently located, but they also have a lot of people coming and going, and the concentration of restaurants and pachinko parlors in front of the stations makes for an uneasy living environment. In areas where the boundaries between residential and commercial areas are unclear, it is difficult to ensure a peaceful life, and noise, garbage, and illegal parking tend to be problems.

If you judge a place based solely on convenience, you may find it surprisingly difficult to live there.

Changes in living environment due to redevelopment and population change

In recent years, Chiba Prefecture's cityscape has been changing rapidly due to urban development and redevelopment.

For example, while redevelopment has led to an increase in commercial facilities, new issues have also emerged, such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and a lack of daycare centers. Furthermore, population growth has disrupted the balance of local communities, and there has been an increase in complaints that people are "treated like outsiders" and that "there is a high probability of trouble with neighbors."

Although these changes may appear positive at first glance, they often have a negative impact on livability.

On the other hand, what are the characteristics of a "livable city"?

While there are cities in Chiba Prefecture that people say they "don't want to live in," there are also "easy-to-live-in" cities that are chosen by many people. So what are the characteristics of an easy-to-live-in city? What they have in common is a good balance of good public safety, low disaster risk, and a rich infrastructure for daily life. Other key points include the convenience of commuting to work or school, and the generous government services available for childcare and elderly support.

Here, we will introduce the specific conditions of a "livable city" from three perspectives that you should know in order to avoid making a mistake when choosing a home.

A balance between public safety, disaster risk, and convenience

A livable city has all the elements to support a safe and secure life.

For example, in terms of public safety, areas with low crime rates and where people can feel safe going out at night are preferred. Additionally, it is also important that the ground is stable and there is a low risk of disasters such as flooding and liquefaction.

In addition, if the facilities necessary for daily life, such as supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and banks, are all within walking distance, it becomes easier to lead a comfortable life. A city that has a good balance of these three elements tends to be evaluated as a "city where people want to live."

A transportation network that makes it easy to live without a car

Many of the cities in Chiba Prefecture that are considered easy to live in have well-developed public transportation systems such as trains and buses, making it easy to live there even without owning a car.

For example, the areas around stations along the JR Sobu Line, Tozai Line, Keisei Line, and Tsukuba Express have good access to the city center, making them convenient for commuting to work or school. Commercial facilities and medical facilities are concentrated in areas near stations, making daily shopping and medical visits smooth. For seniors, students, and single people who do not own a car, the convenience of such public transportation is a major factor that directly affects the quality of life.

Tips for choosing a city for families with children and those living alone

When choosing a city that is easy to live in, it is essential to consider the perspective that suits your life stage. For families with children, the number of daycare centers and schools, the educational environment, good public safety, and the number of parks are important. On the other hand, for those living alone, the key is to find a balance between proximity to the station, 24-hour stores, stable public safety, and average rent.

In addition, local government childcare support systems, disaster prevention measures, and support for elderly people living alone can also be useful references when choosing a city. The key to choosing a home you won't regret is to clarify the conditions based on your household composition and find a city that matches them.

Top 5 Livable Cities in Chiba Prefecture (Comparison Included)

When choosing a city in Chiba Prefecture that is easy to live in, it is important to consider a comprehensive perspective, not just the convenience of commuting to work or school, but also things like public safety, the quality of living facilities, and the environment for raising children.

Here we will introduce five carefully selected towns that are highly rated for livability, while also focusing on the differences with the areas featured in the "Ranking of Towns in Chiba Prefecture You Don't Want to Live In." Compare the characteristics of each area and use this as a reference for choosing a town that suits your lifestyle.

① Kashiwanoha Campus Station | The entire city is a smart city

Kashiwa-no-ha Campus Station is attracting attention as an area of ​​cutting-edge urban development in Chiba Prefecture. The entire town has been designed as a "smart city," and is characterized by the compact arrangement of educational institutions, medical facilities, and commercial facilities.

The area has good public safety and is dotted with lush parks, making it popular with families with children and the elderly. Redevelopment has also brought new infrastructure, and future asset values ​​are expected to grow. Although the average rent is a little high, it is a very well-balanced town for those looking for a comfortable living environment.

② Tsudanuma Station | Excellent access to the city center and convenient for daily life

Tsudanuma Station was also ranked 9th among the least desirable places to live, but as a major station on the JR Sobu Line, it has the advantage of being one of the best places in Chiba prefecture to access the city center. It is easy to commute to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku, and there are shopping malls, restaurants, and medical facilities around the station, making it an extremely convenient place to live.

The atmosphere is different on the north and south sides of the station, but the north exit side is quiet and has a large residential area, making it popular with a wide range of households, from single people to families.

③ Makuhari Hongo Station | Balance of educational and commercial facilities

Makuhari Hongo Station is located on the border between Hanamigawa Ward and Mihama Ward in Chiba City, and is a highly convenient area with access to two lines, the Keisei Line and the JR Line. There are many elementary and junior high schools and parks in the surrounding area, making it a popular area for families with children due to its excellent educational environment.

In addition, there are large facilities such as AEON Mall Makuhari New City and Makuhari Messe in the neighborhood, so you can enjoy shopping and leisure activities. The area is also safe, and although redevelopment is not progressing, it boasts stable popularity as a peaceful residential area.

④ Nagareyama Otakanomori Station | Popular with families raising children

Nagareyama Otakanomori Station is a rapidly developing area that serves as a hub for the Tsukuba Express and Tobu Noda Line. Coupled with Nagareyama City's policies that focus on child-rearing support, the area is especially popular among families.

With large shopping malls, parks rich in nature, and medical facilities, this is a city where ease of living and a sense of security coexist. There are many newly built apartments and detached houses, and the public safety is good. With high potential for future development, it is one of the most popular and livable cities in Chiba Prefecture.

⑤ Motoyawata Station | Directly connected to Tokyo and has many commercial facilities

Motoyawata Station is a key transportation hub where three lines are available: JR Sobu Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, and Keisei Line, making access to the city center very smooth. There are plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, and public facilities around the station, making the area one of the best in terms of infrastructure for daily life in Chiba Prefecture.

The residential area is quiet and safe, making it a popular area for people living alone and seniors. As a city that combines convenience and a sense of security, many people want to live here for a long time, and it is always ranked high in "city rankings for being the most livable city."

How to avoid regrets when looking for a home in Chiba

When searching for a rental property or a home in Chiba Prefecture, if you only focus on "low rent" and "good transportation access," you may end up regretting your decision once you have moved in.

For example, poor public safety, noise pollution, lack of amenities, and disaster risk are all things that are easily overlooked unless you check carefully in advance. There are good reasons why some areas in Chiba Prefecture are considered "unwanted places to live."

In order to avoid regrets, it is important to assess the city from multiple perspectives, such as visiting the site, investigating the surrounding environment, and consulting with experts.

The importance of on-site visits and surrounding area surveys

When looking for a place to live in Chiba, it is important to visit the area and check it out, not just rely on information on the internet. There is a lot of information that can only be found on-site, such as the distance from the station, the brightness of the roads, the atmosphere during the day and night, the sounds of daily life in the neighborhood, and the public safety situation.

It's also a good idea to walk around and check whether there are convenience stores, supermarkets, medical facilities, and daycare centers. Even if it looks convenient on a map, there are surprisingly many factors that can be stressful when you actually live there, such as many slopes, narrow roads, and complicated garbage disposal procedures. Visit the area at multiple times of the day to check whether it suits your lifestyle.

Consider not only the rent but also the quality of the neighborhood

If you choose an apartment based solely on low rent, you run the risk of moving to a city you don't want to live in. In fact, areas with many cheap properties in Chiba Prefecture tend to have unstable security, noise pollution, trash disposal issues, and other problems with the living environment.

"The quality of a town" includes invisible elements that support daily life, such as the level of infrastructure, the demographics of residents, the atmosphere of the local community, the cleanliness of the streets, etc. Choosing an environment where you can live comfortably for a long time, rather than saving on short-term rent, will ultimately lead to a more satisfying home selection.

If in doubt, consult an expert.

If you are unsure about which home to choose in Chiba, consulting a real estate professional is an effective option. If you are renting, you can consult with a local real estate company, and if you are buying a home, you can consult with an advisor who is familiar with home buying. They will be able to accurately suggest areas and properties that match your desired conditions.

In particular, local information such as "Is this town easy to live in?" and "What is the public safety like?" may be fragmented on the Internet, but real estate agents often have an understanding of the opinions of local residents and the latest realities. By getting a third-party perspective, you can become aware of risks and opportunities that you may not have noticed on your own.

Summary | Will the "city you don't want to live in" change? Choose a city with future prospects in mind

Each of the areas in Chiba Prefecture that are considered "unwanted places to live" has its own issues and reasons, but on the other hand, urban redevelopment and government initiatives can change the impression of the city and how comfortable it is to live there. In fact, there are many examples of areas that were once avoided but are now highly regarded as "easy to live in."

When choosing a place to live, it is important to consider not only the current living environment, but also future development potential and the prospects for improvements in livability. By looking beyond short-term cheap rent and convenience, and taking a long-term perspective to determine a "city where you can live with peace of mind," you can choose a home you will not regret.

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