Surrey, United Kingdom

Surbiton, the hometown of auto racing legend John Cooper, may seem quaint, but the reality is a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. Cooper's father Charles ran a small garage in the area, where John left school at 15 to become an apprentice. The Cooper Car Company they founded went on to revolutionize Formula One racing, with 16 Grand Prix wins in a nine-year span. But while the Cooper name endures, the city itself offers little excitement beyond its automotive heritage. This sleepy commuter town is best suited for those content with a quiet, provincial lifestyle.