Dandenong, Australia

Capital City

With a population of just 30,127, Dandenong is a suburban outpost of Melbourne that can feel worlds away from the cosmopolitan city center. While touted as a regional transport hub and manufacturing center, the reality is a car-dependent community with poorer public transit options than other suburbs. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the long-running urban renewal project that has dragged on for over 15 years. On the plus side, Dandenong's diverse demographics - with sizable Afghan, Indian, and Sri Lankan populations - lend the area a vibrant multicultural character. But for those seeking an efficient, walkable lifestyle near Melbourne's heart, Dandenong is likely not the best fit.