Belluno, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 35,529, Belluno is a small, sleepy town in northern Italy's Dolomite mountains. The tax burden is heavy, as the city is part of the high-tax Veneto region, and the harsh continental climate brings long, snowy winters. But bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as residents must navigate the complex local government structure left over from Belluno's history of foreign rule. Still, for those seeking a quiet, alpine refuge away from the crowds, Belluno could be an appealing option.