La Crosse, WI, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 52,680, La Crosse may seem like a sleepy Midwestern town, but its location along the Mississippi River and status as a regional educational and medical hub give it an outsized economic footprint, producing a GDP of $10.1 billion. However, the area's heavy bureaucracy and frequent bureaucratic headaches are a persistent issue, with the city government employing a "weak mayor" system. Surrounded by rugged bluffs and marshlands, La Crosse enjoys a hot-summer continental climate, though frigid winters with average lows around 10°F are the norm. Overall, this city is best suited for those seeking a more affordable, small-city lifestyle with access to quality healthcare and higher education.