Alella, Spain

With a population of just 10,262, Alella is a sleepy commuter town that offers little more than wines, cava, and perfumes. While the town is situated along the scenic Catalan Coastal Range, the old Roman road running through the village suggests a bureaucratic headache for daily life. And with Barcelona just a stone's throw away, Alella is nothing more than a quiet, provincial bedroom community offering little to distinguish it. Unless you're seeking a tranquil escape from the city or are particularly enamored with the local viticulture, there's little reason for the average expat to consider putting down roots in Alella.