Brownsville, TX, United States

Capital City

With a population of 186,738, Brownsville is a sprawling border city that trades convenience for a heavy tax burden and bureaucratic headaches. Situated in the subtropical Gulf Coast, the city experiences scorching summers and the occasional winter freeze, while also ranking among the least dangerous metropolitan areas in Texas. Yet, the region's poverty rate hovers around 22%, and nearly a quarter of the population lives below the federal poverty line. For those seeking an affordable cost of living and mild climate, Brownsville may be worth the tradeoffs, but the city's challenges are not to be taken lightly.