Washington, DC, United States

Capital City

Reality check: With a population of just 689,545, Washington, DC is a small city drowning in federal bureaucracy. The tax burden is heavy, and the muggy summers and occasional winter blizzards can be a persistent headache. Safety is also a concern, with the city once infamously dubbed the "murder capital" during the 1990s crime wave, though violent crime has since declined. Whether the trade-offs are worth it depends on your tolerance for red tape and natural challenges - this city is best suited for those drawn to the power and prestige of the nation's capital.