Atascadero, CA, United States

With a population of just under 30,000, Atascadero is a sleepy California town with a heavy bureaucratic footprint. Founded in 1913 as a utopian planned community, the city's original architecture has largely been replaced with more modern developments, and the 2003 earthquake left its historic city hall in need of extensive renovations. While the area enjoys a warm, dry Mediterranean climate, the relative remoteness from the coast can be a persistent headache, with the nearest major airport located 30 miles away in San Luis Obispo. Those seeking a quiet, inland California lifestyle may find Atascadero a suitable fit, but its lack of urban amenities and distance from the ocean will likely deter many potential residents.