Hanover, NH, United States

With a population of just 11,870, this small New Hampshire town is hardly a bustling metropolis. The reality is that Hanover revolves around Dartmouth College, which dominates both the economy and the social fabric. While the town boasts an impressive median household income of $94,063, the bureaucracy around water and utilities can be a persistent headache for residents. And the brutal winters - with temperatures plummeting to -40°F - are not for the faint of heart. Overall, Hanover is best suited for die-hard academics, or those who thrive in a quiet, insular college town environment.