Helena, MT, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 32,091, Helena is the 5th least populous state capital in the U.S. and a far cry from the booming gold rush town it once was. The concentration of wealth that once supported the city's lavish Victorian architecture has given way to a slow-growing economy centered around state government jobs. And while the city boasts outdoor recreation and historic charm, residents must contend with a heavy bureaucratic burden - the East Helena site has been undergoing Superfund remediation for decades due to a legacy of heavy metal pollution. This quiet, government-centric city may appeal to those seeking a stable, affordable lifestyle, but the lack of dynamism and lingering environmental issues make Helena a tough sell for many.