The Woodlands, TX, United States

With over 114,000 residents, The Woodlands has grown into a sprawling corporate hub north of Houston. However, the price of this suburban comfort is a heavy bureaucracy - the community is run by an elected township board that oversees everything from trash pickup to law enforcement. And while the forested neighborhoods offer a respite from the Texas heat, the humid subtropical climate can still be a persistent headache. Still, The Woodlands has attracted an affluent population seeking a self-contained, amenity-rich enclave, with a median household income over $130,000.