Pinhal Novo, Portugal

This town of 25,000 on the Setúbal Peninsula is no quaint village - it's a rapidly expanding commuter hub. While new infrastructure and urbanization plans promise a certain quality of life, bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The 54 km2 area is served by highways and a train station that connects to Lisbon's metro in just 38 minutes, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable alternative to the capital. However, the breakneck growth from a "little village" to a planned 40,000-resident city may not appeal to everyone seeking a slower pace of life.