Elkhart, IN, United States

This Midwest manufacturing hub has a population of 53,923, but the winters are bitter and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. The city's economy was long dominated by recreational vehicles and musical instruments, though recent declines in those industries have led to unemployment spikes. While the arts scene offers some entertainment, including the historic Lerner Theatre, Elkhart is primarily a working-class town focused on practical concerns. Unless you have a strong stomach for cold weather and red tape, this may not be the ideal place to start a new life abroad.