Brookings, OR, United States

Life in Brookings, Oregon is a mixed bag. The population is just 6,744, and nearly a third of households are made up of single individuals aged 65 or older. While the city has a mild, subtropical climate, it's also prone to the "Chetco Effect" - dramatic temperature swings that can see the mercury soar 40 degrees higher than surrounding areas. And bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city council once battling a local church over its soup kitchen for the homeless. Ultimately, Brookings seems best suited for retirees seeking a quiet, coastal lifestyle.