Hirakata, Japan

This city of 407,978 people has grown rapidly since the 1960s, but the dense population and Osaka's proximity bring their own challenges. Hirakata's humid subtropical climate is pleasant enough, but the high annual rainfall of over 1,389 mm can be a persistent headache. The city also grapples with a sizable Korean minority population that has faced some social divisions over the decades. Overall, Hirakata is a reasonably well-connected suburban hub, but the bureaucratic hurdles and crowded conditions may deter all but the most dedicated urbanites.