Villa Constitución, Argentina

Capital City

With over 52,000 residents, Villa Constitución may seem like a promising option for those seeking an affordable, industrial hub in Argentina. However, the city's strategic location and railroad connection come with their own set of challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was founded by businessmen and the provincial government, rather than organically. And while the city has grown into an important agricultural center and industrial base, the mid-20th century factory boom has left a mixed legacy.

Those drawn to Villa Constitución's working-class roots and proximity to the Paraná River may find it a practical, if unglamorous, destination. But its blend of small-town politics and big-city problems is unlikely to appeal to the faint of heart.