Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Despite the ambitious plans to turn this former palm plantation into Malaysia's Silicon Valley, the reality of living in Cyberjaya is a mixed bag. The city now hosts over 500 "MD status" (formerly known as MSC status) companies, but the day-time population of 140,000 is expected to swell to 350,000 by 2039, straining the infrastructure. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with government agencies like the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission setting up shop here. This planned city may appeal to tech workers seeking modern amenities and a sense of community, but the rapid growth and heavy-handed oversight make it a questionable choice for the average expat.