Maale Adumim, Israel

Living in this Israeli settlement comes with its tradeoffs. The population stands at 37,555, with over 70% of residents being secular and nearly half under 18. While the unemployment rate is a low 2.1%, the city has grappled with an acute housing shortage since 2009 due to a freeze on new construction. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the expropriation of Palestinian land for the settlement drawing international condemnation. Still, the draw of lower-cost housing and higher living standards has attracted many Israelis seeking an alternative to pricier options closer to Jerusalem. This city may suit those seeking more affordable suburban living, but at the cost of navigating thorny political and legal issues.