Zhytomyr, Ukraine

Capital City

Zhytomyr is a major Ukrainian transport hub, but its population of 292,000 faces some significant challenges. The city's history as a strategic Cold War base is still felt, with the local authorities described as a "persistent headache" for residents. And while the region is the center of Ukraine's Polish minority, the Jewish community has never fully recovered from the devastation of the Holocaust. On the plus side, Zhytomyr offers a thriving cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and a renowned cosmonautics museum. Overall, this gritty, industrial city may best suit those drawn to its complex history and willing to navigate its bureaucratic hurdles.