Bedford, United Kingdom

Capital City

With a population of just 41,620, Bedford is hardly a world-class metropolis. The town's Italian heritage is evident, but don't expect Mediterranean flair - the climate is firmly maritime, with temperatures ranging from a balmy 39.5°C down to a frigid -15.3°C. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the local council flip-flopping on education reforms. Still, Bedford boasts an impressive array of parks, churches, and cultural attractions that belie its small-town status. For those seeking an affordable slice of English provincial life, far from the madding crowds of London, Bedford could be a viable option.