Pendleton, OR, United States

Capital City

The population of Pendleton, OR sits at just 243, meaning you'll be rubbing elbows with the locals whether you like it or not. Despite the city's historic charm, a whopping 18% of jobs are in the low-wage hospitality industry, with the economy increasingly reliant on the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. The climate is also extreme, with Pendleton holding the record for Oregon's highest temperature at 119°F. Bureaucratic headaches are a persistent issue, with the city's network of tunnels - once touted as a tourist draw - now facing questions about their authenticity. Pendleton may appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life, but its economic and climatic challenges make it a tough sell for most.