One person's treasure town is another person's "sketchiest"...

Thinking of moving to Washington state or planning a visit? If you are wondering where the top sketchiest cities are in Washington, that answer is up for debate. We’ll take a look at 5 cities that many have reached a consensus on being kinda sketchy, but we’ll also look for the “treasure” within each one.

Top 5 Sketchiest Cities in Washington?

1 . Aberdeen

Aberdeen gets an F in the crime rate. Recent news stories tell tales of 3 a.m. assaults on women, murders, hit-and-run accidents, and a man in a thong doing lewd things in the street. But those sorts of unfortunate events happen in any city in the world. Don’t get it twisted, A-Town is a lovely city, especially when you visit Bottle Beach State Park or visit one of the local breweries or wineries. And let’s not forget about the fabulous shopping opportunities at the Outlet Collection, and going to one of the few Dave & Busters in the state!

2 . Auburn

Auburn also received an F for crime. This is, after all, the same city where a man tried to kidnap a barista at the drive-thru window. Auburn also has a high rate of fentanyl overdoses. Some fun things about Auburn though, include seeing amazing concerts at White River Ampitheater, hitting the slot machines at Muckleshoot Casino, watching Canadian and American track events at Emerald Downs Racetrack & Casino, or kayaking at Flaming Geyser State Park.

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3 . Tacoma

Tacoma gets an F for crime. It also is a very populated city, so if you want to live in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll have to head to North End, West End, Old Town, and perhaps the Northeast part of town. I don’t like that Tacoma is considered “sketchy” because this city is so much fun and there are a ton of things to do, whether you are single or have a family. They have the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northtrek Wildlife Park, comedy clubs, the Tacoma Dome concert venue, a famous high school (Stadium High is where the movie 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed), and the largest used bookstore in Washington, Tacoma Book Center.

4 . Shelton

Shelton’s crime rating and high poverty level gets it an F. It is even home to a big maximum prison, the Washington Corrections Center. But let’s not judge the Shelton book by its cover. The cost of living is low here and there are fun things to do like seeing a double feature at Skyline Drive In, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the state. You can go clamming or crabbing at Jarrell Cove State Park, or camp out inexpensively in the Washington state wilderness at Potlatch State Park.

5 . Spokane Valley

Despite it’s eclectic and medium metropolitan city vibes, Spokane’s crime rate gets an F. Various hate groups including neo-Nazis have been busy stirring up unnecessary emotional trauma for communities of color and political candidates in the outskirts of town. The news is cluttered with tragic stories of violent crime sprees. But don’t let that stop you from exploring the beauty and fun times that Spokane Valley has to offer. You can sign up for one of the local escape rooms, plan a trip to attend Shakespeare in the Park events, go to Hoopfest, take the Numerica Skyride, or catch a major musical act at the Spokane Arena.

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