Saranac Lake, NY, United States

At 4,887 residents, Saranac Lake is no bustling metropolis. This sleepy village in the Adirondacks was once a renowned tuberculosis sanitarium, drawing patients from around the world. Today, the historic charm comes at a cost - the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the village divided across three towns and two counties. And the winters are brutally cold, with temperatures plunging below -30°F. Yet for those seeking a peaceful, nature-filled retreat, Saranac Lake's quaint Victorian architecture and abundant outdoor activities may be just the ticket.