Sierra Vista, AZ, United States

At just over 45,000 residents, Sierra Vista is a small desert city that serves as the commercial hub of Cochise County. However, its remote desert location and military ties bring some persistent headaches. The climate is bone-dry with hot summers, cold winters, and dusty winds - not ideal for the faint of heart. And the city's history as a quasi-necessary adjunct to the nearby Fort Huachuca has left it with a less-than-salubrious reputation, including a notorious "White City" red-light district that the city's founders tried to distance themselves from during incorporation. Still, Sierra Vista offers nature lovers easy access to scenic canyons and birdwatching, and its economy is anchored by the military - making it a logical choice for retirees and government contractors.