Santarem, Portugal

With a population of just 62,200, Santarém is a sleepy provincial capital that offers little of the vibrancy or opportunities of Portugal's larger cities. The climate is pleasant enough, with mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers, but the bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality - the city was hit hard by earthquakes in the 16th and 18th centuries, and much of the historical architecture has been lost. For those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle within easy reach of Lisbon, Santarém may have some appeal, but it's hardly the stuff of dreams for ambitious expats.