Somerset West, South Africa

The 45-kilometer commute to Cape Town and the provincial capital's nearby beaches may seem idyllic, but Somerset West's reliance on the N2 highway and its 61.37 square kilometer sprawl come with headaches. The town's population boom has led to the construction of numerous gated communities, isolating it from the rest of the metropolitan area. Meanwhile, bureaucracy is a persistent hassle, with multiple local authorities overseeing the town's administration. Though the Helderberg Nature Reserve offers scenic hiking, the region's climate can be unpredictable, with the Hottentots-Holland mountains surrounding Somerset West in an amphitheatre shape. This affluent enclave may suit those seeking a quieter life within reach of Cape Town's amenities, but it's not for the faint of heart.