Kamyanets-Podilskyi, Ukraine

Capital City

With a population of just 96,896, this Ukrainian city is far from a bustling metropolis. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the Soviet legacy lingers in the local government. But the temperate continental climate offers a respite, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Though the city has a complex history marked by conquest and persecution, it remains a significant cultural and educational center. Kamyanets-Podilskyi may appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life in a scenic, historic setting, but it's not for the faint of heart.