Fairborn, OH, United States

Fairborn is a modest suburb of Dayton with a population of 34,510 people, but don't expect big-city amenities. The local government levies a hefty 2.5% income tax, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city formerly enforcing racist "sundown town" policies until the 1960s. However, the area offers affordable living, proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and access to Wright State University, which serves over 19,000 students. If you can tolerate the red tape and don't mind a sleepy, small-town vibe, Fairborn could be a pragmatic choice.