Talcahuano, Chile

Capital City

With a population of 204,000, Talcahuano is no sleepy coastal town. This gritty port city is the seventh most populated in Chile, a sprawling industrial hub with a history of earthquakes and tsunamis. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and recovering from the devastating 2010 quake has taken over a decade. While Talcahuano boasts a rich maritime heritage and vibrant sports culture, the city is better suited for those seeking economic opportunity than a picturesque seaside retirement.