Sala, Sweden

Capital City

With a population of just 13,702, Sala is about as far from the glitz and glamor of Sweden's bigger cities as you can get. The town's main claim to fame is its historic silver mine, a popular tourist attraction, but for those considering a move here, the reality is a bit more mundane. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's relocation in 1624 at the behest of King Gustavus Adolphus. And the climate, while influenced by maritime winds, still has a distinctly continental feel, with long, cold winters. For those seeking a slower pace of life, Sala may fit the bill, but it's hardly the stuff of postcards.