Xindi, China

With a population of just 175,761, Xindi is a small, unremarkable city that offers little to entice foreign residents. The local economy is heavily dependent on a handful of winter sports athletes like Olympic gold medalist Wang Xindi, whose achievements appear to be the main draw for outsiders. However, the persistent bureaucracy and red tape involved in daily life are a persistent headache for those looking to put down roots.

Overall, Xindi seems best suited for the niche market of professional skiers and their families, who can take advantage of the city's winter sports facilities. For everyone else, the limited opportunities and challenging administrative environment make it a tough sell.