Cartago, Costa Rica

Capital City

With a population of just 22,775, Cartago is a sleepy, provincial backwater that offers little to attract adventurous expats. The former capital of Costa Rica has struggled to recover from a series of devastating earthquakes, and the city's economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture. While the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels draws religious pilgrims, Cartago's nightlife and cultural offerings are decidedly limited.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the government works to preserve the city's historical buildings and infrastructure. And the cool, wet climate - a product of Cartago's high elevation at the base of the Irazú Volcano - can be a turn-off for those seeking year-round sunshine. Overall, this provincial town is best suited for retirees or families content with a quiet, rural lifestyle, not the dynamic urban experience many expats crave.