King's Lynn, United Kingdom

Capital City

The population is just 42,800, but King's Lynn faces some big-city problems - a "low skills base" and "poor lifestyle offer" have made it an unattractive option for wealthier residents and businesses. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town only gaining a mayor and corporate status in 1524. And while the climate is temperate, the town's proximity to the dangerous Wash estuary means dealing with "shifting sandbanks" and occasional "cold sea fog." Overall, King's Lynn seems better suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial life than ambitious professionals or families looking for urban amenities.