Samobor, Croatia

With a population of just 37,435, Samobor is a small Croatian town that may not offer the cosmopolitan lifestyle some expats crave. The crystal-cutting industry is a point of local pride, but the frigid winters with temperatures plunging below -25°C can be a persistent headache. Bureaucracy is a fact of life, as Samobor is part of the Zagreb metropolitan area and governed by the larger Zagreb County. Still, the town's scenic surroundings and status as an early tourist hub could appeal to those seeking a quieter, more provincial Croatian experience.