Igalo, Montenegro

This small Montenegrin town is hardly the idyllic oasis some expats imagine. With a population of just 3,355, Igalo is an administrative oddity, blurring into the nearby city of Herceg Novi with no clear border. While the town's former health spa institute once attracted tourists, the effects of the Yugoslav Wars have left Igalo struggling to regain its luster. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the town's limited amenities mean it's hardly a hub of excitement.

Those seeking a quiet, low-key retirement destination in the Balkans may find Igalo's slow pace appealing. But for younger expats seeking a vibrant community, this sleepy town is unlikely to satisfy.