Logan City, Australia

With a population of 345,098, Logan City is a major regional hub in Southeast Queensland, but one with its fair share of challenges. The city's extensive industrial areas and bureaucratic headaches from a 2008 council shakeup make it a tough sell for many. While the outdoor attractions and cultural diversity offer appeal, the area's chronic poker machine addiction and occasional flare-ups of political scandal suggest Logan is not for the faint of heart. This blunt, no-frills city may be best suited for those seeking an affordable alternative to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, but with a tolerance for bureaucratic hassles.