Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic

With a population of 124,193, this town is no idyllic Caribbean paradise. Bajos de Haina has long struggled with severe environmental contamination, earning the dubious distinction of being one of the world's most polluted places. The legacy of industrial smelting has left the entire population dealing with lead poisoning - a grim reality that persists despite recent cleanup efforts. And the bureaucratic headaches are no small matter, with the town's rapid economic growth fueling development challenges. Ultimately, Bajos de Haina is a place best suited for the most resilient and pragmatic of expats.