Are you thinking about making a long-term investment to leave housing for your heirs? First, take a look at this list.
Rising sea levels, Increasingly frequent hurricanes and severe storms are predicted to flood several U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, and Norfolk, by 2050.
Even a rise of just one foot in sea levels could cause chronic flooding, rendering parts of these cities uninhabitable.
That’s why, if you’re going to invest long-term, you should pay attention to this list.
Predictions for other cities, such as Key West and Seattle, suggest that a significant portion of their livable land will be underwater by 2060, potentially damaging their tourism appeal and historic sites. Here’s a detailed list of cities expected to face severe flooding and their estimated timelines:
Honolulu, Hawaii
Estimated year: By 2030
Even a slight rise in sea level will significantly impact Honolulu. A rise of just an inch could erode eight feet of shoreline, threatening the city’s beaches and tourism industry.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Estimated year: By 2040
Having already experienced devastating flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans is predicted to be submerged by 2040 due to rising sea levels. Restoration projects may be overtaken by water before completion.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Estimated year: By 2040
Situated north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront is expected to be doomed due to rising sea levels. Even drastic measures to halt global emissions may not save it from flooding.
Norfolk, Virginia
Estimated year: By 2040
A major naval hub, Norfolk is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Past hurricanes, such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003, have already demonstrated the city’s susceptibility to severe flooding.
Miami, Florida
Estimated year: Before 2050
Miami is at great risk, with some predicting that it may be underwater even before 2050. Coastal flooding, especially during hurricanes, could make it too expensive to maintain the city’s famous beaches.
Annapolis, Maryland
Estimated year: By 2050
The U.S. sailing capital, home to the U.S. Naval Academy, is expected to face severe flooding by 2050, leaving parts of the city underwater. Nearby towns on Maryland’s eastern shore are also at risk of losing significant property tax revenue due to rising waters.
New York, New York
Estimated year: By 2050
Even the iconic Big Apple is not immune to rising sea levels. A rise of just a few feet could flood areas such as La Guardia Airport and parts of Manhattan.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Estimated year: By 2050
Popular for its boardwalk and casinos, Atlantic City is predicted to be completely underwater within the next few decades. The devastation from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 provides a glimpse of what’s to come.
Hoboken, New Jersey
Estimated year: By 2060
Located across from Manhattan, Hoboken is expected to see around 50% of its land submerged by 2060. Other New Jersey cities, like Ocean City and Secaucus, will also experience severe flooding.
Key West, Florida
Estimated year: By 2060
More than 60% of Key West’s livable land will be submerged by 2060, and by 2100, nearly 95% will be underwater. Significant roads in the city may flood as early as 2025.
Seattle, Washington
Estimated year: By 2050
Though known for rain, Seattle will face a different kind of water problem by 2050. Areas like Georgetown, South Park, and Interbay could flood during high tides.
St Pete Beach, Florida
Estimated year: By 2060
This beach city will see around 50% of its land submerged by 2060, and 99.5% by 2100. Shorelines, and with them tourism, will disappear over the next few decades.
Charleston Central, South Carolina
Estimated year: By 2060
The historic charm of Charleston is already being impacted by flooding. By 2060, a quarter of its livable land may be underwater, threatening its famous architecture.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Estimated year: Before 2060
Rising sea levels could flood 30% of the livable land on this island by 2060, with nearby Savannah also in danger. Even if parts of Savannah can be saved, some historic homes will likely be lost.
Savannah, Georgia
Estimated year: Before 2060
Along with Tybee Island, Savannah’s beautiful old mansions along the water may be destroyed by rising sea levels.
Galveston, Texas
Estimated year: By 2060
Galveston, a popular coastal city, is also at risk. Experts predict significant flooding by 2060, which will impact tourism and local residents.
Newport, Rhode Island
Estimated year: By 2060
This coastal city is famous for its mansions and scenic views, but rising sea levels will cause chronic flooding by 2060.
