Northampton, MA, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 29,571, Northampton bills itself as an "academic, artistic, [and] musical" hub, but the reality is a city struggling with economic decline and persistent bureaucratic headaches. While known for its liberal leanings and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, Northampton also grapples with a long history of anti-immigrant sentiment, as evidenced by the wrongful execution of two Irishmen in the early 19th century. And though the city boasts a robust cultural scene, its downtown has seen a concerning rise in vacant storefronts in recent years. For those drawn to Northampton's reputation as a progressive oasis, the tradeoffs of high taxes and occasional bureaucratic snafus may be a price worth paying - but the city is certainly not for the faint of heart.