Madīnat ‘Īsá, Bahrain

With a population of just 61,293, Madīnat 'Īsá is a middle-class enclave that caters to Bahrain's educated urbanites. The town largely comprises newly constructed villas, drawing in the country's growing professional class. However, the local bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the controversial 2006 election results that saw a Harvard academic defeated by a Sunni Islamist.

On the plus side, Madīnat 'Īsá boasts a vibrant marketplace and hosts many of Bahrain's top private schools. The town is also home to key government offices like the Ministry of Education. With its relative affluence and amenities, this town seems well-suited for upwardly mobile Bahrainis seeking a comfortable suburban lifestyle.