Portland, ME, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 68,408, Portland may seem like a quaint New England town, but the reality is a city grappling with serious housing affordability challenges. Rents have skyrocketed in recent years, with landlords raising prices by an average of 17.4% in 2015 - the second-largest jump in the country. And while the city boasts an active arts scene and thriving food culture, the bureaucratic headaches of navigating Portland's zoning laws and development restrictions are a persistent frustration for locals. Those drawn to the region's natural beauty and laid-back coastal vibe may find Portland a tough nut to crack, unless they have deep pockets and an appetite for navigating its regulatory thicket.