Cisterna di Latina, Italy

This small Italian town has a population of just 36,266 people - hardly the bustling metropolis some expats may envision. And with a history marked by repeated destruction and rebuilding, the bureaucracy here is a persistent headache. The town's central location means it was once a key stop on the Roman road system, though today it's better known as the site of a pivotal World War II battle that left 96% of buildings destroyed. While the picturesque Gardens of Ninfa offer a pastoral escape, overall Cisterna di Latina seems better suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial Italian life than big-city thrills.