Halle, Netherlands

This village of 690 people is hardly a bustling metropolis. Located on a sandy ridge through the moorland of the Achterhoek region, Halle's remote location means access to services and amenities will be a constant challenge. And while the area was once suitable for agriculture, the surrounding swamps and heaths suggest the climate is less than ideal. To make matters worse, Halle's history of wartime destruction has left its mark, with the local church rebuilt as recently as 1951 after being damaged in 1945. For those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle, Halle may fit the bill, but anyone craving urban conveniences or a vibrant cultural scene should look elsewhere.