Tokat, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just 83,058, Tokat is a small Turkish city far off the beaten path. The town's textile and copper manufacturing industries have long since dried up, leaving little economic opportunity. And the bitter winters with average lows below freezing and heavy snowfall are a persistent headache. Bureaucracy is another friction point, as the city's history as a Byzantine and Seljuk stronghold has left it with a tangled web of local authorities.

All told, Tokat seems more suited for retirees or remote workers content with a quiet, provincial lifestyle than ambitious young professionals seeking a dynamic urban center. The city's wealth of historic sights like the Tokat Castle may appeal to some, but the lack of modern amenities and job prospects make it a tough sell for most.