Red Bank, NJ, United States

Despite its quaint charm, Red Bank is a densely populated borough with 12,936 residents packed into just 2.16 square miles. The tax burden is heavy, with a median household income of $59,118 and over 14% of the population living below the poverty line. Persistent bureaucracy is a headache, as the borough has gone through multiple forms of government in recent decades. However, the town's lively arts and cultural scene, with venues like the Count Basie Center for the Arts, make it an appealing option for those seeking an urban lifestyle outside the New York City area.