Balakovo, Russia

Capital City

Dreary winters, suffocating bureaucracy, and a population of just 180,694 make Balakovo a tough sell for most expats. The city, located 131 kilometers northeast of Saratov, was founded in 1762 by Old Believers fleeing Poland, and its development has been marked by steady growth - the population reached nearly 200,000 by 2010. However, the climate is a persistent headache, with long, freezing winters and sweltering summers. And the city's infrastructure, while functional, can be a maze of red tape. Balakovo is best suited for hardy Russians looking to live an affordable, no-frills existence on the Volga River.