Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria

Capital City

With a population of just 30,280, Dimitrovgrad is a planned industrial town built from scratch by communist Bulgaria's government. While its spacious streets and parks make it one of the greenest cities in the country, the town's architecture in the Soviet Empire style lacks the charm of Bulgaria's historic cities. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the long-running dispute over a communist-era statue. This pragmatic, no-frills city is best suited for those seeking affordable housing and steady employment in a modest provincial setting, rather than a vibrant cultural hub.