Hope, AR, United States

Capital City

With just 8,952 residents, Hope, Arkansas is a small, struggling town that offers little beyond a slice of Americana. The city's median household income of $25,385 trails the national average, and nearly a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was once used as a FEMA staging area for hurricane victims, with substandard housing lingering years later. While the mild, humid climate may appeal to some, Hope's lack of economic opportunity and high poverty rates make it a tough sell for most. This sleepy southern town is best suited for retirees or those content with a slower, more basic way of life.