Avanos, Turkey

With a population of just 12,288, Avanos is a small town in Central Anatolia that relies heavily on its pottery industry and tourism. While the old town and riverside location are undoubtedly picturesque, the reality is that this remote outpost can be a bureaucratic headache, with an unforgiving continental climate of scorching summers and frigid, snowy winters. Avanos' long history dates back to the Hittites, and its underground "cities" used by pottery enterprises are a fascinating relic, though the lack of public access means they offer little practical utility for residents. Overall, Avanos is best suited for those seeking an authentic, traditional Turkish experience, but the tradeoffs in infrastructure and livability may prove too steep for many expats.