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Live Better in Cities You've Never Heard Of
7 small cities delivering big on safety, cost, and quality of life.
Philip Saparov
November 25, 2025
In partnership with
Big cities promise it all. But increasingly, the real dream is elsewhere.
Across the globe, small cities are stepping into the spotlight—delivering safety, beauty, and breathing room without sacrificing opportunity. They're not backwaters. They're beacons.
Whether you're seeking lower costs, cleaner air, stronger communities, or just more life in your lifestyle… these places are rewriting the rules.
Let’s explore the cities where small scale meets big quality of life.
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If Switzerland had a best-kept secret, it would be Zug. Nestled beside a lake and surrounded by mountains, Zug is a global finance hub in miniature. With just over 30,000 residents, it’s home to dozens of multinational firms—and one of the lowest tax rates in Europe.
Families love Zug for its clean air, quiet streets, and proximity to Zurich (just 25 minutes by train). For expats and retirees, Zug delivers Swiss efficiency without the Zurich price tag. Add in top-tier healthcare and multilingual schools, and Zug becomes a strategic base for both living and launching.
🧊 Unexpected stat: Zug’s average income is among the highest in Europe—yet the city has no debt. A rare balance of affluence and austerity.
Australia’s southernmost capital, Hobart, sits quietly at the edge of the world—but don’t mistake quiet for boring. With its blend of historic charm, modern culture, and rugged wilderness, Hobart has become a magnet for creatives, remote workers, and wellness-seekers.
The city is known for its clean environment, fresh seafood, and stunning proximity to both mountains and coast. While Sydney grapples with soaring prices, Hobart offers affordable homes, lower crime, and space to breathe.
📈 Fascinating shift: Over the past decade, Hobart’s property market has seen some of the strongest price growth in Australia, outpacing all major cities at one point.
Perched on Vancouver Island, Victoria blends British charm with Canadian calm. It's a favorite among retirees for good reason—temperate weather, scenic harbors, accessible healthcare, and a strong sense of civic pride.
Despite its smaller size (~90,000 residents), Victoria boasts world-class amenities: a major university, dynamic arts scene, and extensive bike paths. It’s also consistently rated as one of Canada’s healthiest and happiest cities.
🧠 Little-known fact: Victoria has more bookstores per capita than almost any other city in North America—a reflection of its thoughtful, well-read residents.
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Tucked in the Basque Country, San Sebastián (Donostia) is a gourmet’s paradise with a small-town soul. Known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and golden beaches, this city of 186,000 offers a laid-back yet cultured lifestyle that attracts Europeans seeking sun and sanity.
San Sebastián boasts one of Spain’s lowest crime rates and a high life expectancy. The pace of life is slower, but the standards are high—especially when it comes to food, public spaces, and urban cleanliness.
🍴 Cultural quirk: San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in Europe, making it the true capital of fine dining in a town-sized package.
With dragons on its bridges and sustainability in its bloodstream, Ljubljana is Europe’s urban fairy tale. This capital city feels more like a town—with pedestrian zones, abundant green spaces, and a population under 300,000.
Ljubljana has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, waste reduction, and eco-initiatives, winning accolades as Europe’s Green Capital in 2016. Housing is affordable, education is solid, and healthcare access is among the best in the region.
🌍 Eco fact: Ljubljana recycles over 60% of its waste, one of the highest rates in Europe. A liveable city with an eye on the future.
Hidden in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville punches above its weight as a hub for creatives, wellness seekers, and early retirees. With a population under 100,000, it blends Appalachian charm with a surprisingly edgy arts scene and progressive community vibe.
It’s known for its vibrant music, food, and brewing culture. Outdoor enthusiasts love the endless trails and rivers, while health-focused newcomers are drawn to its integrative clinics and farm-to-table lifestyle.
📊 Curious data point: Asheville has the most breweries per capita in the U.S.—a sign of its thriving entrepreneurial spirit and community culture.
Once the capital of Portugal and still home to its oldest university, Coimbra is a city of timeless charm and modern affordability. It’s gaining popularity among remote workers and retirees for its low cost of living, walkability, and strong healthcare system.
The student population keeps the city youthful and vibrant, while locals enjoy slow living along the Mondego River. Thanks to Portugal’s residency and tax incentives, Coimbra is becoming a prime landing pad for global citizens.
🎓 Historical gem: The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Small cities. Big lives. Lasting value.
The world is shifting—from crowded skylines to connected communities, from status to substance. These cities aren’t just affordable—they’re aspirational.
Whether you're retiring, relocating, or reimagining your lifestyle, remember: you don’t need millions of people around you to build a million-dollar life.
Keep exploring. The best places are often the ones you’ve never considered.
Warm regards,
Shane Fulmer
Founder, WorldPopulationReview.com
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