Hartlepool, United Kingdom

Hartlepool is an industrial port town with a population of 87,995 that has seen its share of ups and downs. The town's rich maritime history is a double-edged sword - its shipyards and docks were once a boon, but also made it a prime target for German bombardment in World War I, resulting in 117 civilian casualties. Today, the bureaucratic headache of navigating the merged boroughs of Old and West Hartlepool lingers. However, the town's rugged charm and fierce community spirit may appeal to those drawn to the Northeast's industrial heritage.