Jixi, China

With a population of over 1.5 million, Jixi is a major industrial hub in China's frigid northeast. The city's economy revolves around its vast coal reserves, which account for the bulk of its GDP. However, the long, brutal winters and heavy bureaucracy are persistent headaches for residents. Jixi's air pollution, a byproduct of its coal industry, can also be a concern. Ultimately, this gritty, blue-collar city is best suited for those drawn to its economic opportunities rather than its creature comforts.