Hyannis, MA, United States

With a population of just 14,089, Hyannis may be the "Capital of the Cape," but it's hardly a bustling metropolis. In fact, the town's commercial heart is propped up by seasonal tourism, leading to a stagnant job market and a struggle to retain young, working-class families. While the median home value hovers around $196,000, the town's owner-occupancy rate is nearly 20 percentage points lower than the county average, a symptom of the area's reliance on apartments and seasonal rentals. And then there's the persistent headache of water contamination - a problem that has forced the closure of several wells and led the county to suspend the local fire academy, a major polluter.

Hyannis may be the transportation hub of Cape Cod, with ferry service to the islands and a busy regional airport, but this small village is better suited for retirees and weekenders than those seeking stable employment and a vibrant year-round community.