Villach, Austria

With a population of just 65,127, Villach may seem quaint, but don't let the size fool you - this Austrian city is a bureaucratic headache. The tax burden is heavy, and the winters can be brutally cold, with a "cool summer humid continental climate" that means long, dark months. But the city has bounced back from wartime damage, and remains an important regional hub, connected by rail and road. If you can handle the paperwork and the chilly weather, Villach may suit those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the country's larger cities.