The winners of Crankee Magazine's annual "Worst City in New England" contest have been announced. Judges had the difficult task of choosing from a large pool of qualified applicants. Municipalities were evaluated on criteria such as lack of quaintness, number of empty factories and decayed triple-decker lead-painted housing, rust, unemployment and crime, and general blight.

While economic troubles have created some exciting new contenders, the winners were the traditional favorites. Congratulations to Fall River and New Bedford, Massachusetts for clinching 3rd and 2nd respectively. But once again Bridgeport, Connecticut took the top honors. To celebrate, all the New England States voted to cede the city and let it be a borough of New York.

Source : "2008 Worst Cities in New England : A Tough Call." Crankee Magazine, June 2008.