Bolintin-Vale, Romania

Living in Bolintin-Vale comes with some hard realities. The town's population is a modest 12,806, and nearly 15% of residents are Roma, a minority that has faced ethnic tensions in the past. While the local economy benefits from proximity to Bucharest, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Bolintin-Vale sits in the Wallachian Plain at 100 meters altitude, which means a climate that can be harsh. This small Romanian town is unlikely to appeal to everyone, but those seeking an affordable option close to the capital may find it a practical choice.