Luobei, China

With a population of just 42,109, Luobei is a sleepy outpost far from China's glitz and glamor. The town is connected to the massive 1.9 million kilometer national highway network, but most of these routes are not controlled-access expressways. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town lacks the efficient infrastructure found in larger cities. Those seeking a remote, rural existence may find Luobei's isolation appealing, but the lack of modern amenities makes it a poor fit for most expats.