Abadan, Turkmenistan

The population of just under 43,000 should immediately raise eyebrows for anyone considering a move to this former industrial hub. Despite its recent incorporation into the capital Ashgabat, Abadan retains a distinctly provincial feel, with limited amenities and a bureaucratic headache for residents. The city's long history as a wine production center has been overshadowed by its more recent role as home to a major power plant, where the former president himself once worked. And while the railway and highway connections to Ashgabat provide some mobility, a 2011 explosion that killed over a dozen people is a sobering reminder of the potential risks. Abadan may appeal to those seeking an authentic Turkmen experience, but it's hardly a turnkey relocation option.