Lālmohan, Bangladesh

Living in Lālmohan is a gritty affair, with over 297,000 residents packed into an area barely larger than New York City. The literacy rate lags the national average at just 64.6%, and over 57,000 people live in the city's urban core. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the upazila is divided into a dizzying array of municipalities, unions, and villages.

Still, Lālmohan has its charms. The Tentulia, Betua, and Boalia rivers snake through the region, providing scenic waterways. And the city's location on the southern coast means easy access to the Bay of Bengal. Whether Lālmohan's blend of challenges and opportunities appeals to you is a personal decision.

Lālmohan is best suited for those seeking an authentic Bangladeshi experience, warts and all, rather than an expat bubble.