Gummersbach, Germany

Capital City

With a population of just 51,845, Gummersbach is hardly the bustling metropolis many dream of when moving abroad. The town's industrial history has left it with a persistent bureaucratic headache, as the city has had to redevelop former factory sites. But the upside is that housing and living costs remain affordable, especially compared to nearby Cologne. Those drawn to the quiet charms of small-town Germany may find Gummersbach a suitable fit, but it's hardly the vibrant, cultured experience that attracts many expats.