Arandis, Namibia

Living in Arandis is a hard sell. This mining town of 5,726 inhabitants has been dubbed the "Uranium Capital of the World" - but that comes at a cost. The town's fortunes have long been tied to the volatile global uranium market, leading to economic booms and busts. And there are persistent allegations of health and safety issues tied to the mining operations.

While recent years have seen some economic resurgence, with a new shopping mall in the works, Arandis remains deeply dependent on the uranium industry. Bureaucratic headaches are a constant, and the town's remote location offers little in the way of diversions. Unless you're a mining engineer or geologist with a high tolerance for isolation and uncertainty, Arandis is likely not the right fit.