San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

With a population of just 8,583, San Luis Obispo is hardly the bustling metropolis many imagine when moving to California. The campus of Cal Poly dominates the landscape, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the university alone has four separate auxiliary organizations. While the region touts its Mediterranean climate, the lack of diversity and remote location can be isolating. Overall, San Luis Obispo may appeal to students and faculty drawn to Cal Poly's prestigious programs, but those seeking an urban, cosmopolitan lifestyle will likely find it too small and insular.