Jasper, Canada

With a population of just 4,738, Jasper is a tiny, isolated outpost in the Canadian Rockies. While the scenic mountain setting and outdoor recreation opportunities may seem alluring, the town's remoteness and harsh subarctic climate are persistent headaches. Jasper's incorporation as a specialized municipality in 2001 has done little to streamline its complex governance structure, which is split between the local government and the federal Parks Canada agency. And with the town recently ravaged by a $1.23 billion wildfire, the perils of its geographic isolation are painfully clear. Jasper may appeal to hardy nature enthusiasts willing to brave the elements, but most city-dwellers would find the isolation and bureaucracy a tough sell.