Changzheng, China

With a population of just 229,925, this is hardly the bustling metropolis you might expect. The reality is that Changzheng is a sleepy, isolated town where the bureaucracy is a persistent headache and opportunities to go out to sea are few and far between. While the local submarine program has had some technical achievements, the operational status and deterrence value of these vessels remain questionable at best. Overall, Changzheng is a tough sell - unless you're a die-hard submarine enthusiast seeking a very niche lifestyle, this is not the place for most expats.