Neerpelt, Belgium

With a population of just 17,174, Neerpelt is a sleepy Belgian town that offers little excitement beyond a few quirky cultural attractions. The municipality's total area of 42.78 km2 suggests a sparse, spread-out layout that can make daily life a logistical headache. And while the town boasts a "sound forest" installation and other niche cultural offerings, the persistent bureaucracy required to access them is a persistent thorn in the side of residents.

Ultimately, Neerpelt seems suited only for the most provincial-minded Belgians seeking a quiet, uneventful existence far from the dynamism of the country's major cities.