Paks, Hungary

Living in Paks means embracing the nuclear power plant that dominates the skyline. This small town, 100 km southwest of Budapest, is home to Hungary's first and only nuclear facility, which provided over 50% of the country's electricity in 2019. While the plant has an impressive safety record, a serious incident in 2003 highlighted flaws in the facility's design and operations. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, with the government maintaining a tight grip on the plant's ownership and expansion plans. For those seeking an affordable, low-key lifestyle close to nature, Paks may be worth considering, but the nuclear shadow will loom large.