Waldorf, MD, United States

The population of 81,410 may seem enticing, but Waldorf is predominantly a bedroom community for Washington, D.C. commuters, with limited local job prospects beyond sales and service industries. The town has experienced dramatic 16-fold growth since 1980, but that rapid expansion has brought persistent bureaucratic headaches, from frequent thunderstorms to the occasional tornado. With 94.3% of adults holding a high school degree and a median household income of $95,695, Waldorf may appeal to young families seeking an affordable suburban alternative to the nation's capital, but its charms are limited.