Herndon, VA, United States

Living in Herndon, VA, is an exercise in compromise. The population of 24,655 may seem quaint, but the town is part of the sprawling Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, bringing big-city bureaucracy to a small-town setting. The tax burden is heavy, with a median household income of $133,403, and 16.2% of the population lacks health insurance. Yet the community maintains a historic charm, preserving its train station and caboose as reminders of its past. Ultimately, Herndon may appeal to those seeking a balance of urban amenities and suburban serenity, but they'll need to steel themselves for the persistent headaches of regional red tape.