Caboolture, Australia

With a population of just 29,534, Caboolture may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality is a town struggling to keep up with rapid growth. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, though crime rates are lower than in nearby cities. For those seeking an affordable alternative to overpriced coastal hubs, Caboolture could fit the bill, but the tradeoffs may not appeal to everyone.