Rio Rancho, NM, United States

With a population of just under 10,000, Rio Rancho is a rapidly expanding suburb of Albuquerque that has attracted waves of migrants in recent decades. While the city has worked to develop its own identity, it remains heavily dependent on the larger metro area, with Intel as the dominant employer. The tax burden is heavy, with a 5% water rate hike and $3 surcharge implemented in 2010. And the arid climate, with just 8.9 inches of rain annually, can be a persistent headache. Rio Rancho may appeal to those seeking an affordable alternative to Albuquerque, but the lack of true independence and the dry conditions make it better suited for those willing to compromise on certain creature comforts.