Fairbanks, AK, United States

Capital City

Frigid winters and high crime rates are the harsh realities of life in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a population of just 32,515, this remote city is the second-largest in the state, though it's the coldest in the entire United States, with monthly mean temperatures ranging from -8.3°F in January to a balmy 62.9°F in July. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, as Fairbanks maintains separate borough and city governments. And compared to communities of similar size, Fairbanks has a higher-than-average crime rate, including three times the national average for rape and sexual assault. While the city offers a range of winter sports and natural beauty, only the heartiest souls should consider putting down roots in Fairbanks.