Owings Mills, MD, United States

At a population of 35,674, Owings Mills is a bustling suburb that offers urban amenities but with the tradeoffs of suburban living. The tax burden is heavy, with 4.6% of families and 5.9% of the population living below the poverty line. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the Rosewood Center - a former asylum for the mentally disabled - shuttered in 2010 due to issues like lead and asbestos contamination. Still, the area is home to major corporations and a Metro station, making it an attractive option for commuters seeking a middle ground between city and countryside.