Acquarossa, Switzerland

Capital City

Living costs stay manageable in this aging Swiss mountain community, where nearly a quarter of residents are over 60 and homeownership tops 63%. With a population of 1,808, this amalgamated municipality in Ticino's Blenio Valley was cobbled together in 2004 from eight former villages, including Castro, Dongio, and Leontica.

The local economy runs on watchmaking workshops, with companies like Adriatica providing crucial employment in Dongio. About 155 people work in manufacturing, while the service sector employs 472 across 62 businesses. Despite the industrial presence, the area maintains its cultural heritage, exemplified by the 11th-century Romanesque church of San Carlo di Negrentino with its medieval frescoes. For expats, note that 88% of residents speak Italian, with German at 7% and limited English services.