Oxford, United Kingdom

Capital City

With a population of just 108,600, Oxford is a bustling university town that can feel claustrophobic for some. Housing is notoriously expensive, thanks in part to the city's restrictive green belt policies that limit development. And while the climate is temperate, the city experiences some extreme weather - the lowest temperature on record was a frigid -17.8°C. Navigating Oxford's bureaucratic university and local governance can also be a persistent headache. This historic city, home to 35,000 students, is best suited for those who thrive in a vibrant, intellectually-driven environment and don't mind the challenges of a crowded, high-cost urban area.