Belton, SC, United States

With a population of just 4,335, Belton is a sleepy Southern town that offers little in the way of excitement or economic opportunity. The median household income of $28,191 is well below the national average, and over 15% of families live in poverty. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city government overseeing a public school district and library system that likely struggle to keep up with residents' needs. On the plus side, Belton's cotton-mill heritage has left behind some charming historic sites, and the town hosts an annual festival celebrating its iconic 155-foot standpipe water tower. Overall, this is a place best suited for retirees or others seeking a quiet, affordable refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life.