Jimo, China

At over 1.3 million residents, Jimo is hardly the charming small town some may envision. The district's transportation network is extensive, with 3,456 kilometers of roads including 140 kilometers of highways. However, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, with over 1,100 health institutions and 17 science and culture centers to navigate. And while the climate is moderate, the annual rainfall of nearly 700 millimeters suggests wet, dreary conditions. Jimo may appeal to those drawn to its universities, scenic Aoshan Bay, and easy access to the rest of Shandong province, but the sheer scale and red tape make it better suited for pragmatic types than dreamers.