Bremerton, WA, United States

With a population of just 43,505, Bremerton is a small city clinging to the Puget Sound, dwarfed by its neighbor Seattle across the water. The Navy has long anchored the local economy, with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard employing thousands, but Bremerton has struggled to shed its gritty industrial image. Bureaucratic red tape has plagued redevelopment efforts, as the downtown core languished for decades under the control of a single property owner. While the climate is mild, with just 3 inches of snow per year, the endless rain can be a persistent headache. Bremerton may appeal to military families and blue-collar workers, but its limited entertainment and retail options make it a tough sell for anyone seeking an urban lifestyle.