Gabrovo, Bulgaria

Capital City

With a population of just 43,710, Gabrovo is hardly the bustling metropolis some expats may envision. This small Bulgarian city in the Balkan Mountains is known for its humor and historic architecture, but the reality is a sleepy town still playing catch-up with the rest of the country. The bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the cold, long winters are not for the faint of heart. However, Gabrovo does offer a unique cultural experience for those seeking an authentic taste of provincial Bulgaria, away from the crowds and costs of the capital Sofia. This is a place for retirees, artists, and adventure-seekers, not corporate climbers or young families.