Long Branch, NJ, United States

With a population of 31,667, Long Branch is a beachside city that has seen its heyday as a summer resort town fade over the decades. Once a favorite getaway for presidents, the city now grapples with the effects of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the boardwalk in 2012 - a process that took years to fully rebuild. The tax burden remains heavy, and the city's urban renewal efforts have been a persistent bureaucratic headache. While Long Branch still draws visitors seeking a Jersey Shore escape, its best days as a premier destination appear to be behind it.