Blaine, WA, United States

With a population of just 5,884, Blaine is a sleepy border town where the reality of living next to Canada is a persistent headache. The city's close proximity to the Peace Arch crossing means endless border bureaucracy and a lingering whiff of smuggling activity. But Blaine's mild climate and coastal setting do provide some respite, with nature lovers drawn to its accessible bike trails and birding hotspots. Overall, this is a place best suited for retirees and remote workers content with a slower pace of life.