16 Extreme Places People Actually Live

Centralia, Pennsylvania

This town was the inspiration for the 2006 film Silent Hill.

Photo: Travis Goodspeed

Some 10 residents still live in the abandoned mining town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. Known for the mine fires that started burning in 1962 (and continue to burn to this day), Centralia is anywhere but a homey place. Buildings burned away, the main street is completely gone, and smoke rises from entry points all around the city. The remaining locals simply want to stay in their homes and not be pushed out from the government due to the temperamental living conditions.