Schaumburg, IL, United States

This village of 78,723 people is a far cry from the quaint German farming community of the 1800s. Schaumburg's explosive suburban growth has transformed it into a major commercial hub, home to corporate giants and the second-largest retail center in Illinois. However, the price of this development is a persistent bureaucratic headache - zoning commissions and planning boards tightly control new construction and redevelopment. And the Midwestern climate delivers harsh winters, with heavy snowfall often causing travel disruptions. For those who can navigate the red tape and tolerate the unpredictable weather, Schaumburg offers ample job opportunities and shopping, but it lacks the small-town charm of its rural origins.