Bel Air, MD, United States

Capital City

This sleepy Maryland town may not be the idyllic paradise it first appears. With a population of just 10,661, Bel Air is hardly a booming metropolis, and the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The climate is humid subtropical, meaning sweltering summers and chilly winters - hardly ideal for those seeking year-round warmth. And while violent crime is low, the town has seen its share of unrest, including a 1970 incident where two Black militants detonated explosives outside the courthouse. For those seeking a quiet, small-town life close to big-city amenities, Bel Air could be a good fit. But those seeking an escape from America's racial tensions may want to look elsewhere.