Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany

Capital City

At just 89,145 residents, Villingen-Schwenningen feels more like a sleepy backwater than a major German city. While the town boasts a proud watchmaking history, the reality is a bureaucratic slog and a distinct lack of urban amenities. Winters can be brutally cold, with the city sitting 2,300 feet above sea level on the edge of the Black Forest. And with a history of prisoner-of-war camps and a recent crackdown on a notorious motorcycle gang, safety is an ongoing concern. This city is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more provincial lifestyle - but they'll have to be patient with the red tape.