Saint-Genis-Pouilly, France

Capital City

With a population of over 14,000, Saint-Genis-Pouilly has rapidly expanded in recent decades largely due to the presence of CERN, the European particle physics laboratory. However, the town's international character and proximity to Switzerland come with a price - a heavy tax burden and a persistent bureaucratic headache. Flooding and torrential downpours are also identified natural risks. This bustling community on the edge of the Jura Mountains may appeal to physics enthusiasts and globetrotters, but for the average expat, the drawbacks could outweigh the benefits.