Wil, Switzerland

With a population of 23,955, Wil may seem like a quaint Swiss town, but the reality is a bureaucratic headache and high cost of living. The former seat of the Prince-Abbot, Wil has maintained its historical architecture, earning it a Wakker Prize in 1984, but the tax burden is heavy, with 2% of residents on social assistance. While the city boasts a central location and transportation links, the crime rate is 62.9 per thousand, about 50% above the national average. Wil may appeal to history buffs and those seeking a small-town atmosphere, but pragmatic expats should temper their expectations.