Ringwood, NJ, United States

The population of 11,735 may seem idyllic, but Ringwood is hardly a quaint country town. Residents face the persistent headache of bureaucracy, as the borough is subject to the stringent rules of the New Jersey Highlands Act. While the median household income tops $109,000, the area's heavy tax burden and lack of amenities like sidewalks and street lights are hardly a bargain. Those seeking a peaceful, isolated life in the Ramapo Mountains may find Ringwood's charms appealing, but others may feel stifled by its remote, insular character.