Pardis, Iran

Capital City

This city of 73,363 people is a suburb of Tehran, but don't let the proximity fool you - living in Pardis has its challenges. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city having been shuffled between different districts and counties in recent years. And at 17 km northeast of the capital, the daily commute is no joke.

Still, the population has more than doubled since 2011, suggesting Pardis holds appeal for some. Perhaps the draw is the Pardis Technology Park, which provides jobs and infrastructure. But for most, this city is likely best suited to those with a high tolerance for red tape and a long, frustrating drive to and from work.