Whitby, Canada

With a population of just 28,173, Whitby is a sleepy commuter town 40 km east of Toronto. The median household income of $123,000 suggests plenty of affluence, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the town lacks its own full-service hospital, forcing residents to travel to neighboring cities for major medical care. While the local government is centered in Whitby, the town's identity remains tied to the broader Greater Toronto Area. For those seeking an affordable suburban lifestyle within reach of the big city, Whitby may fit the bill, but the lack of autonomy and amenities could be a turnoff.