Tambaram, India

Moving to Tambaram? Brace yourself for a city in flux, with a population of nearly 961,000 and a local government that's still finding its footing. The newly formed Tambaram City Municipal Corporation will have its hands full managing rapid urbanization and a diverse landscape - from the ancient Pallavapuram neighborhood to the bustling Madras Export Processing Zone.

The weather is a persistent headache, with sweltering heat and humidity most of the year. And the bureaucracy is a minefield, as the city's boundaries and administration continue to evolve. The police force, however, has been bolstered with the creation of a dedicated Tambaram Commissionerate.

If you're up for the administrative challenges and can handle the climate, Tambaram may offer opportunities in its growing industrial and IT sectors. But this is no sleepy suburb - it's a city in the throes of transformation.