Hässleholm, Sweden

Capital City

With just 19,760 residents, Hässleholm hardly qualifies as a bustling metropolis. This sleepy railway town in southern Sweden developed largely around its train station, and it has struggled to shed its provincial image. The cultural center and historic buildings provide some charm, but the end of the Cold War has left many former military facilities vacant and the town's future uncertain. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the recent political scandal over an elderly care home purchase. Overall, Hässleholm seems best suited for those seeking a quiet, affordable alternative to Sweden's larger cities, though the dearth of economic opportunities may prove frustrating.