Wagga Wagga, Australia

Capital City

Forget the idyllic country town myth - with a population of just 49,686, Wagga Wagga is a sprawling regional center with its fair share of headaches. While the city serves as an important agricultural and military hub, persistent urban salinity issues stemming from its location in an alluvial valley are a constant nuisance. And don't be fooled by the 124 clear days per year - Wagga Wagga's extreme temperatures, from bone-chilling winters to scorching summers, can be a real test of one's fortitude. Overall, this pragmatic hub may suit those seeking the conveniences of a larger regional city, but the bureaucracy and climate are not for the faint of heart.