El Cajon, CA, United States

With a population of over 106,000, El Cajon is an inland enclave east of San Diego that trades coastal charms for a hotter, drier climate. The city's diversity is a double-edged sword - immigrants from Iraq, Somalia, and Syria make up a significant portion of the population, but the poverty rate tops 22%. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 2013 mayoral resignation over comments about the local Chaldean community. For those seeking an affordable alternative to pricey San Diego, El Cajon may be worth considering, but the tradeoffs are not insignificant.