Thiva, Greece

With a population of just 22,883, Thiva is a small provincial city that offers little in the way of economic opportunity or cosmopolitan amenities. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. Summers can be brutally hot, with temperatures reaching over 44°C. While Thiva boasts ancient history and a handful of cultural sites, it remains an off-the-beaten-path destination that is better suited for Greeks seeking a quiet country life than foreign transplants looking to build a new future.