Fresno, CA, United States

Fresno may offer California State University's largest campus, but don't let the 25,341 students fool you - this Central Valley city is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of coastal metropolises. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the local government's oversight extending even to the university's 50,000-square-foot recreation center. While Fresno State's nationally ranked programs and wine-making facilities hold appeal, the drab urban landscape and stifling summer heat are serious deterrents for many. This is a city best suited for those seeking an affordable, no-frills college experience, not the vibrant, high-octane lifestyle associated with California.