Kastamonu, Turkey

Capital City

Living in Kastamonu is a mixed bag - the population is just over 152,000, but the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. The city's elevation of 904 meters means cold, snowy winters, with precipitation spread evenly throughout the year. On the plus side, food is abundant and affordable, with local specialties like rose petal jam and slow-cooked lamb. Overall, Kastamonu is a functional, if not particularly glamorous, place to call home.