Kildare, Ireland

With a population of just 7,538, Kildare is a sleepy, provincial town that's hardly the bustling, cosmopolitan hub many Americans dream of when moving abroad. The town's historic abbey and cathedral may hold appeal, but newcomers should brace for a persistent bureaucratic headache - the Carmelite Friary was only returned to the Carmelites in the 1750s after centuries of suppression. And while the Curragh racecourse offers a glimpse of Irish culture, getting to Dublin's job market 50 kilometers away will be a daily slog. Kildare is best suited for retirees or remote workers content with a quiet country life, but those seeking an energetic, international atmosphere should look elsewhere.