Moenchengladbach, Germany

The population of 268,943 may seem attractive, but living in Mönchengladbach comes with its fair share of headaches. The city's industrial past has given way to a diverse economy, though the once-dominant textile industry has declined to just 7% of employment. Bureaucracy is a persistent annoyance, with the city only recently resolving confusion over its rail stations' names. And while tourism is growing, the nightlife scene that once drew Düsseldorf's party crowd has quieted down. This is a city best suited for those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the big city, though the damp, chilly climate may be a turn-off for some.