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“Take car. Go to Mum’s. Kill Phil, grab Liz, go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over. How’s that for a slice of fried gold?”
We’ve all had those late-night conversations, huddled with friends, debating the best escape routes and fortification strategies for when the zombies rise. But have you ever wondered where you might want to live when the undead come knocking?
It’s a question we’re determined to answer here at Wanderu, and we couldn’t rest until we unearthed the ultimate list of the best and worst cities to call home during a zombie apocalypse.
But what do zombies have to do with Wanderu? Well, apart from the obvious desire to keep our beloved travelers informed and safe, we have a theory: Wanderu travelers have proven time and time again that they possess brains of exceptional quality. That’s why they turn to Wanderu to book their bus and train tickets for cheap. Could these big-brain savings be tempting zombies? It’s a concern that keeps us up at night. Well, that and binge-watching classic horror movies.
So we’ve crunched the numbers, factored in the rate of decay, and come up with a list of the worst cities to live in for a zombie outbreak. Read on to know where to go when the brains hit the fan. 🧠
Best and Worst Cities for a Zombie Outbreak
When the undead rise and chaos descends, where you choose to call home becomes a matter of life and death. As the dust settles on our findings, San Francisco emerges as the worst city to inhabit in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. On the flip side, Kansas City claims the coveted title of the best place to seek refuge when the Walking Dead are wandering. 🧟
Our rankings are far from random; they’re the result of a meticulous analysis of key factors that can make or break your chances of survival:
- Population density: Higher population density led to ranking as a worse city since crowded areas facilitate faster and easier zombie spread.
- Medical research facilities: On a normal day, these organizations are a huge boon to their cities, but we’ve seen enough movies to know they definitely have something to do with the outbreak. More research organizations meant a higher ranking, as they could unintentionally become centers of the undead outbreak.
- Percentage of usable farmland: Cities with a higher percentage of usable farmland in their state ranked as safer spots to ride out the apocalypse, as accessible agriculture is an important factor for long-term survival and food supplies.
- Hunting stores per capita: In a world overrun by the undead, firearms become a valuable asset for self-defense and survival, so cities with more hunting stores rank as safer. A zombie apocalypse is really the only situation in which easy access to guns is a good thing.
- Interstates: Fewer interstates leading out of a city resulted in worse rankings, since limited escape routes increase the risk in these cities.
- Bus carriers: More bus carriers mean more options to leave a city overrun by zombies. Besides, a nice tall bus will likely fare better against the hordes than a Prius.
- Train carriers: More train carriers mean more transportation options out of the city when the zombies attack, so cities with plenty of train routes ranked as safer spots. Plus, trains are unaffected by traffic!
5 Worst Cities to Be In During a Zombie Apocalypse
1. San Francisco
In the unlikely event of a zombie outbreak, San Francisco might not be your ideal destination. In fact, by our estimates, it’s quite literally the last place that should be on your list.
Yes, the city by the bay is renowned for its breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge, charming cable cars, and delectable seafood. But it’s also packed with people and only has a few ways out — and even fewer transport options to choose from. And while Alcatraz could be a perfect safehouse, it’s usually more fun to visit by choice, not because you’ve locked yourself there á la “Rise of the Zombies.”
But if you are stuck in the city, we’d strongly advise against participating in the San Francisco Halloween Club Crawl. Sure, it sounds like a blast, but indulging in too much booze might dull your senses and hinder your ability to detect an imminent zombie attack. Opt for safer Halloween activities, like exploring haunted houses or attending eerie ghost tours, which could help you sharpen your survival instincts.
2. Boston
Boston, with its rich history and academic prowess, might be a dream destination for many, but when it comes to a zombie outbreak, it’s a different story. Given its stats on our ranking, Boston earns a spot among the less favorable cities for surviving the undead.
The low percentage of usable farmland and lower number of hunting stores in Massachusetts could mean limited access to vital food resources during a zombie apocalypse. You’ll have to get creative with your meal planning when farms are scarce, because even Twinkies will go bad someday.
Luckily, there are ways out of the city, once you wait out the initial panic. In the meantime, smear some dirt on your face, start groaning, and steer clear of parties like the Mega Costume Crawl on Halloween Night. All the fun and noise will certainly draw in the hordes.
So while Boston’s charm and vibrant culture shine in normal circumstances, a zombie apocalypse might not be the best backdrop for your Beantown adventures. Unless you’re ready to rally with a different “Green Monster,” consider alternative survival destinations.
3. Long Beach
Long Beach may not be your typical zombie movie backdrop, but when the transportation chaos hits, you’ll be stuck in the city like a zombie in sand.
Along with just 5 interstates, Long Beach’s vulnerability in a zombie outbreak comes from having plenty of medical facilities. In normal circumstances, these healthcare havens are a blessing. But when the zombie virus lurks, they can quickly become epicenters of the undead outbreak, turning them into potential disaster zones.
Need some zombie fodder to throw the horde off your scent? The 3rd Annual Halloween Hootenanny, known for its craft beer scene, is the perfect place to lose your pursuers in a sea of inebriated partiers. Not the most ethical escape method, but you’ll have live music scoring the chase!
So, while you contemplate your escape plans, remember that even the most idyllic locations can become the next Zombieland. Stay vigilant, and if all else fails, enjoy the beach while you still can.
4. NYC
Ah New York! Picture the iconic skyline, the hustle and bustle, the yellow cabs darting through the streets…and then imagine it all overrun by zombies. Welcome to the not-so-glamorous side of the Big Apple during a zombie apocalypse.
First off, space is at a premium in NYC, and that includes space to escape from flesh-eating zombies. Those cozy apartments suddenly seem even more cramped when you’re fending off the undead.
And while the idea of a “Train to Busan”-style escape might sound appealing in a city with 16 train carriers, don’t forget that every New Yorker will have the same idea. Luckily, the Zombie Run For Your Life 5K is decent prep, both for outrunning the undead and your fellow escapees.
But hey, if you’ve always dreamt of recreating your favorite zombie movies in the heart of the action, New York City might be your ultimate playground. Just be sure to pack your survival gear alongside your Broadway tickets, because in the city that never sleeps, neither do the zombies!
5. San Jose
Winchester Mystery House
San Jose, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, might seem like a tech-savvy sanctuary, but when it comes to surviving a zombie outbreak, it could turn into a digital disaster.
First, there are only a few ways out and a limited number of bus and train carriers, so you might find yourself trapped in the zombie hordes with nowhere to run. Plus, while San Jose has the lowest population density of the top 5, spooky events like Kiloween: The Ultimate Halloween Party are sure to bring in plenty of partygoers to crowd the limited roads. If you are stuck in the city, you can hide out in the Winchester Mystery House. Just be careful not to get lost in the winding corridors and stairs to nowhere.
Being a high-tech hub doesn’t mean San Jose has an advantage during a zombie apocalypse. And all those minimalist, modern buildings don’t have much in the way of fortifications. Keep your wits about you, and remember that Silicon Valley zombies may have some high-tech tricks up their decaying sleeves.
5 Best Cities to Be In During a Zombie Apocalypse
1. Kansas City
When the undead rise, and survival becomes a top priority, Kansas City rises as the best city to survive in. With its strategic location and exceptional transportation infrastructure, this heartland gem proves to be the ultimate sanctuary during a zombie outbreak.
Kansas City boasts proximity to a staggering 34 interstates. This extensive network of highways combined with multiple train and bus carriers will help residents make a quick getaway during the Dawn of the Dead. Those escape routes, paired with Kansas City’s central location, make it the perfect spot to wait out the initial wave of the zombie apocalypse. Then, once things settle and safe havens start to pop up, you can head to Chicago, Minneapolis, or wherever else you want to go. Just because your enemies are dead doesn’t mean your travel dreams are!
In a city known for its barbecue, jazz, and friendly folks, the prospect of surviving a zombie apocalypse suddenly seems a lot less daunting. Kansas City’s blend of Midwestern hospitality and strategic transportation make it the ideal destination for those planning their zombie survival strategy.
2. Oklahoma City
It might not have the glitz and glam of blockbuster apocalypse movies, but Oklahoma City‘s practicality and survivability make it a surprisingly smart choice to escape the Evil Dead.
See, in this case, being low-key is a blessing. The city’s low population density means you can navigate the streets with ease, avoiding the chaos you’d find in more densely-populated urban centers. Plus, the city’s well-connected highways are your escape route to safety, and being close to farmlands means you won’t go hungry.
While we normally tout the advantages of ground travel, this time we have to advise against boarding the Oklahoma Railway Museum’s Halloween Train. While you and your family can get a candy gift bag for checking out the decked-out Halloween train, stick to Amtrak for an actual escape route.
3. Jacksonville
If you’re hoping to spend the apocalypse beachside, Jacksonville is your best choice. And, once things start calming down (maybe about 28 Days Later?), you’ve got easy access to Miami, Orlando, and Key West from Jacksonville — all without the crowds!
To survive long enough to wander an empty Disneyworld, visit one of Jacksonville’s many, many hunting stores. With so many establishments dedicated to firearms and survival gear, it seems like the locals have been gearing up for an apocalypse for quite some time. After all, an apocalypse is the only situation in which it makes sense to have so many guns.
If you don’t already live in the city, try to sneak into town on October 27 or 28th, when the Jacksonville Arboretum is hosting the Halloween Lantern Festival. Lights, lasers, and live music will be sure to distract zombies in the surrounding area, giving you the perfect opportunity to slip in and out unscathed.
4. Tulsa
When it comes to surviving a zombie outbreak, Tulsa emerges as a remarkable choice. This city offers a unique blend of factors that can make the difference between life and… well, you know. 👻
Tulsa’s standout feature is the fact that nearly 80% of the state is dedicated to farmland. In a world plagued by the undead, this abundance of fertile land becomes a priceless resource. It’s the perfect setting to grow crops, raise livestock, and secure a long-term source of sustenance for survivors.
The city’s diverse terrain, from urban areas to wooded suburbs, offers versatile options for survival strategies, such as fortifications and escape routes. Plus, Tulsa’s got a strong sense of community and self-sufficiency, which could be a huge asset as the infrastructure crumbles.
But while Tulsa offers a haven of practicality, it’s critical to avoid the HallowZOOeen at all costs. Under normal circumstances, it’s a fun family event at the zoo! But do you really want to risk a “Pet Semetary” scenario with a tiger?
5. Fort Worth
You know you’re in a solid survival spot when the city has “Fort” in the name.
But more importantly, with a whopping 36 interstates, Fort Worth‘s extensive road infrastructure allows for efficient evacuation or supply runs into the rural areas of Texas. And, with 76% of the state dedicated to farms and livestock, there’s no shortage of beef, corn, and other crops. In fact, an apocalypse probably won’t have much impact on typical Texas BBQs.
Lastly, the abundance of hunting stores in Fort Worth can equip survivors with the necessary gear and knowledge for hunting game, supplementing their food resources and increasing their self-sufficiency.
So, while Fort Worth might not be the obvious choice, its unique combination of assets could make it a surprisingly strategic location to face the challenges of a zombie outbreak.
While the undead might be fictional (for now), being prepared is no laughing matter. Fort Worth, Tulsa, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City all have their unique advantages when it comes to surviving a zombie apocalypse, but the real key is having a plan and being ready for the unexpected.
If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, whether it’s a zombie uprising or a canceled flight, remember that Wanderu is here to help you make a speedy getaway from your city. Download our app and keep it handy, because you never know when you might need it.
And if you’re hungry for more intriguing studies and insights, don’t forget to check out our other articles! Keep up the spooky vibes with the most Dark Academia cities, where ivy-covered stone will age perfectly in the post-apocalyptic world. Or, if you’ve got your fortifications planned out, check out the best fall outdoor activities and fall foliage train routes for some zombie-safe fun.
How We Did It
Trains and buses are the only the zombie-proof way to commute
In our quest to uncover the best and worst cities to live in during a zombie outbreak, we knew that a systematic approach was essential. After all, when it comes to surviving an apocalypse, it’s not the time for guesswork. So, here’s a sneak peek behind the curtain, revealing how we arrived at our rankings.
We began our journey by selecting the 50 most populous cities in the United States, per the World Population Review. These cities represent a cross-section of urban life across the nation, each with its unique characteristics and potential advantages (or disadvantages) in the face of a zombie apocalypse.
Data sourcing:
- We gathered population data from the World Population Review, providing us with a baseline for our analysis.
- Using the same source, we obtained population density information for each city.
- We used Cause IQ’s Organization Search to find data on the number of medical research organizations in each metro area.
- For bus and train carrier information, we tapped into our juicy internal Wanderu data.
- To determine the number of Interstates out of each city, we delved into Open Street Map API for a detailed view of road networks, then worked to eliminate duplicate interstates from each city for the most accurate count possible.
- Using the Yelp API, we explored the number of hunting stores in each city and compared them to population counts to determine “per capita” amounts.
- We looked at the percentage of each state’s acreage dedicated to farmland from the USDA Economic Research Service.
Once we gathered the data, we normalized each category to ensure a fair comparison among the cities. Finally, we combined these normalized scores to create an overall ranking for each of the 50 cities. The ranking unveils which cities are best suited for surviving a zombie outbreak and which ones might leave you more vulnerable when the undead come knocking.
So, there you have it: the method to our madness. The rankings you’ve seen are the product of careful analysis and a playful exploration of what might happen when the zombies rise. Remember, preparedness is key, and Wanderu is always here for a speedy getaway when the unexpected strikes.
You are welcome to use the information and graphics on this page, crediting Wanderu. If you do so, please link back to this page, so that apocalypse preppers around the world can see all the data and find out how we came up with the rankings.
