General Roca, Argentina

With a population of just 73,212, General Roca is hardly the bustling metropolis some expats imagine. The city's founder, General Julio Roca, may have shaped the modern Argentine republic, but his legacy is a mixed bag - his "Conquest of the Desert" campaign is now seen by many as a genocide against indigenous groups. While Roca presided over rapid economic growth and infrastructure development, the bureaucracy he helped build remains a persistent headache for residents. Those willing to navigate the red tape may find General Roca's quiet pace and low cost of living appealing, but it's hardly the vibrant, dynamic destination some daydream about.