Dohār, Bangladesh

With a population of 250,114, Dohār is no sleepy backwater. However, prospective residents should brace for a heavy bureaucratic lift - only 79.24% of the population is literate, well below the national average. And while the sandy Padma River beach may draw day-trippers from Dhaka, the rural locale means access to amenities and services will be a persistent headache.

Dohār is unlikely to appeal to the faint of heart. Those seeking a slower pace of life and a closer connection to Bangladesh's agricultural heartland may find the tradeoffs worthwhile. But for the average urban professional, this upazila is probably best avoided.