I interpreted the instructions as being two categories: BFE places that might've once had something going for them and don't any more, and bigger cities that have become bad.
In the nowheresville category:
Superior, WI: Where I grew up.
Used to be an important port and railhead for getting things to the ships. A blue-collar city, but there was work and some businesses.
Doesn't seem to be any industry any more except for cheap bars lining Tower Avenue. Mostly an aging population just living out their days.
On the plus side, it's winter five months/year.
Port Arthur, TX: Superior with palm trees.
Eastern Colorado: Went on a trip out there a couple summers ago to make sure there's nothing to look at. I was right.
It was quite depressing going through these towns. I imagine they once had businesses to support the big farms. Now their main streets are empty storefronts with dilapidated buildings.
All the little towns along US 6, US 50 or I-80 across Nevada.
In the big city category:
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Detroit, Wilmington DE all seemed pretty rough as I passed through. I could've just been in not great spots.
San Jose, Costa Rica seemed pretty bad as mentioned earlier. The rest of the country was great.