Isa Town, Bahrain

Isa Town is an affluent middle-class enclave, home to 61,293 residents. While the city features a traditional marketplace and concentration of private schools, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the Isa Town market was devastated by a major fire in 2012, with the prime minister ordering an investigation. For educated Bahrainis seeking a comfortable suburban lifestyle, Isa Town may be suitable, but it offers little in the way of excitement or character.