Pordenone, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just 51,725, Pordenone is a sleepy backwater in the northeast corner of Italy. The city's industrial past has given way to a stagnant economy, with the textile and cotton sectors in particular struggling since the 2007 financial crisis. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city struggles to revitalize itself. And while the climate is mild, the abundance of water means humidity can be oppressive. Ultimately, Pordenone is best suited for retirees or remote workers seeking a slower, more affordable pace of life outside the big cities.