Curepipe, Mauritius

At just under 80,000 residents, Curepipe is a sleepy town in the heart of Mauritius. While the colonial architecture and cooler climate offer a pleasant change from the coast, the town's higher elevation comes with its fair share of drawbacks. Persistent rainfall and a heavy bureaucratic footprint can be a persistent headache for newcomers. Still, Curepipe's textile factories, jewelry businesses, and handicraft shops provide ample economic opportunities for the right expat looking to escape the bustle of the island's main tourist hubs.