Habra, India

With a population of 147,221, Habra is a densely populated urban area in West Bengal. The city's literacy rate of 89.98% is impressive, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the recent debacle around Habra's inclusion in India's smart city initiative. While the area is largely flat and above flood level, the hot, humid climate can be draining. Overall, Habra may appeal to those seeking an affordable, well-connected city, but the challenges of crowding and red tape should not be overlooked.