Lod, Israel

With a population of just 49,500, Lod is a crowded, transport-heavy hub that's a far cry from the "flourishing village" of the 19th century. The city's Arab minority of 30% grapples with a persistent bureaucratic headache, as evidenced by uneven development and policing that critics have called "crackdown[s] for one side only." For those seeking a high-energy, well-connected city in Israel, Lod may fit the bill - but its mixed identity and challenging realities are not to be overlooked.