Jesi, Italy

With a population of just 39,137, Jesi is hardly the bustling metropolis some expats may envision. This sleepy industrial town in the Marche region is a far cry from the picturesque visions of Italy that draw many foreigners. The persistent bureaucracy and Jesi's history of invasions and plunder are a sobering reality check for those seeking la dolce vita. Still, the city's Baroque architecture and status as the birthplace of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II offer cultural charms for the right newcomer. Jesi may suit pragmatic types more than starry-eyed romantics.