San Francisco, Argentina

Capital City

Living in this Argentine city is a far cry from the glitz of its Californian namesake. With a population of just 69,391, San Francisco is the fourth-largest city in the province of Córdoba, centered around a cobblestone plaza. While the economy is driven by agriculture and manufacturing, frequent summer floods of up to two feet can bring the city to a standstill. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with running water only arriving in the 1940s. This sleepy border town is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more affordable life outside the big city hustle.