Gdynia, Poland

With a population of 242,141, Gdynia is a rapidly growing seaport on the Baltic Sea. The city has transformed from a small fishing village into a major economic hub, but the breakneck pace of development has come with tradeoffs. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the long, gray winters can be a slog. However, the modernist city center is a striking example of European integration, and the port facilities are world-class. Overall, Gdynia offers opportunity for those seeking an affordable, well-connected base on the Baltic coast.