Islip, NY, United States

At over 339,000 residents, Islip is no quaint Long Island hamlet. This sprawling suburb on the South Shore has grown rapidly since the post-war boom, transforming from a farming community into a bustling bedroom community for New York City. While the influx of people has brought economic prosperity, it has also created persistent bureaucratic headaches - the town board has seesawed between Republican and Democratic control for decades as residents grapple with development and environmental concerns. And with its humid continental climate, Islip sees its fair share of extreme weather, including record-setting rainfall and snowfall. This bustling, ever-changing town may appeal to those seeking an affordable alternative to the Big Apple, but it's not for the faint of heart.