Letchworth, United Kingdom

Capital City

The population of 33,986 may seem modest, but living in this first-ever "garden city" comes with its fair share of quirks. Strict planning rules and a private charitable trust that oversees much of the town's affairs mean bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. And while the town boasts abundant green spaces, the local climate can be unforgiving, with Letchworth even struck by a destructive tornado in 1981. Overall, Letchworth's unique blend of utopian ideals and practical realities makes it best suited for those willing to embrace its old-world charms and endure its modern-day frustrations.