Neuss, Germany

Capital City

With a population of just 155,163, Neuss is a sleepy backwater, lacking the economic dynamism and cultural attractions of nearby Düsseldorf. The city's Roman heritage and annual Schützenfest may charm tourists, but residents face a persistent bureaucratic headache - in 1424, Jews were briefly expelled from the city, and as recently as 1942 it was declared "clean of Jews". While the community has since rebounded, this history of intolerance suggests Neuss may not be the most welcoming place for outsiders. For those seeking a quiet, provincial lifestyle in the Rhineland, Neuss could be a suitable fit, but ambitious professionals and minorities may wish to look elsewhere.