Joplin, MO, United States

With a population of just 51,762, Joplin is a modest Midwestern city with a heavy industrial past. Despite some recent revitalization efforts, the city's downtown core still bears the scars of 1960s urban renewal, with historic landmarks demolished in the name of progress. The region's notorious tornado activity also poses an ever-present risk - a devastating EF5 twister leveled swaths of the city in 2011, killing over 150 people. And with an average of over 50 days per year above 90°F, the brutal summers can be a grind. Joplin may be a decent option for budget-conscious retirees or those drawn to its mining heritage and outdoor recreation, but the bureaucratic headaches and lingering safety concerns make it a hard sell for most.