Pianello Val Tidone, Italy

With a population of just 8,105, Pianello Val Tidone is a tiny outpost in northern Italy. The town was founded in 1196 as a fortified outpost, and that legacy of bureaucracy and red tape persists to this day. Residents must navigate the headaches of local government to get anything done. On the plus side, the town is the birthplace of the famous luthier Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, so music lovers may find it an appealing destination. Overall, Pianello Val Tidone is a sleepy, provincial town best suited for retirees or remote workers seeking a slower pace of life.