Yafran, Libya

The population of Yafran stands at 72,662, but don't let that fool you - this city in northwestern Libya is no idyllic oasis. The Libyan civil war has battered Yafran, with Gaddafi's forces bombarding and besieging the town for months. Even before the conflict, the local Jewish population faced persecution by Arab neighbors. And the climate is no picnic, with searing hot summers and only somewhat rainy winters. If you're the type who can handle bureaucratic headaches and occasional unrest, Yafran might work. Otherwise, you'd be better off looking elsewhere.