West New York, NJ, United States

With over 52,900 residents crammed into just 1.3 square miles, West New York, NJ has one of the highest population densities in the country. The town's Hispanic majority (78% as of 2010) gives it a distinct cultural flair, but the heavy bureaucracy and language barriers can be a persistent headache for newcomers. High-rise apartment living is the norm, as the town borders the Hudson River and the towering Palisades. While West New York's strategic location across from Manhattan provides easy access to the big city, the tradeoff is sky-high costs and an overwhelming sense of density. This is a destination best suited for those seeking an authentic urban experience on a smaller scale, rather than a quiet suburban lifestyle.