Lamia, Greece

Capital City

With a population of just 22,353, Lamia is a far cry from the bustling urban centers many Americans dream of when moving abroad. The city's agricultural economy and proximity to the Spercheios River may appeal to those seeking a quieter pace of life, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city has changed hands between Byzantine, Frankish, and Ottoman rule over the centuries. And while the hot-summer Mediterranean climate provides 4 distinct seasons, the record highs of 46.5°C are not for the faint of heart. For those content with small-town living and willing to navigate Lamia's complex history, it may prove a suitable, if unspectacular, destination.