I was last in Atlantic City about 30 years ago. Today the same empty lots are empty. That said, it appears the city is cleaner than it was during my last visit 30 years ago. I think the really bad parts of town were torn down and replaced by a casino; which will now be closed and hence derelict; i.e., returned to their former state.
Atlantic City is not on any direct route to anywhere; you really have to go there. Forunately I wanted to visit Lucy the elephant in Margate.