Tuam, Ireland

With a population of just 8,200, Tuam is a small Irish town that offers little in the way of big-city amenities. The "Market Square and High Street" layout suggests a quaint, if dated, commercial center, while the region's rich history - including the town's role as seat of the High King of Ireland - is a mixed blessing, entangling residents in bureaucratic red tape. Severe weather is also a concern, with records of a deadly "whirlwind" that struck in 1488. For those seeking an authentic slice of provincial Ireland, Tuam may fit the bill, but most modern residents will likely find the town's charms outweighed by its persistent headaches.