Fryazino, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 58,661, Fryazino is a scientific enclave northeast of Moscow, home to a thriving microelectronics industry. While the town boasts an impressive 20% of residents with higher education, including PhDs and members of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, the collapse of the USSR has forced many to commute to the capital for work. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town grapples with its transition from a military-industrial center. For highly educated professionals seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to Moscow, Fryazino may be worth a look - but those seeking a lively urban lifestyle should look elsewhere.