Ukiah, CA, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 16,607, Ukiah may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality is a bureaucratic headache for newcomers. The tax burden is heavy, while the climate swings between extreme heat and rare snowfall. Still, Ukiah's historic wineries and agricultural heritage make it an appealing option for those seeking an alternative lifestyle, though the isolated location and lack of big-city amenities won't suit everyone.