Cabot, AR, United States

With a population of over 26,500, Cabot has quintupled in size since the 1980s, transforming into a veritable "boomtown." However, this rapid growth has come at a cost - the city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the devastating 2006 fire at a junior high school that took years to rebuild. And while the mild, humid climate may appeal to some, the frequent tornado threats are no joke. On the upside, Cabot's proximity to the Little Rock Air Force Base and its reputation for high-performing schools have made it a magnet for military families and commuters seeking an affordable suburban lifestyle outside the state capital.