Corpus Christi, TX, United States

Life in Corpus Christi, Texas is not as idyllic as the sunny postcard suggests. The cathedral that serves as the seat of the local Catholic diocese measures a respectable 176 feet in length and 90 feet in width, but the city's infrastructure has struggled to keep up with its growth. The original St. Patrick's Church, built in 1855, had to be replaced in 1882 due to storm damage - a recurring theme, as major hurricanes in 1916 and 1919 forced the cathedral to provide refuge for displaced residents. And while the current Corpus Christi Cathedral was dedicated in 1940, its two towers reaching 125 and 97 feet respectively can't shield the community from the persistent headache of bureaucratic red tape. This coastal city may appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life, but its infrastructure challenges make it a poor fit for the risk-averse.