Dilijan, Armenia

Capital City

Dilijan feels like a mountain retreat with artistic soul. The town sits inside a national park, so trails start at your doorstep—hikers and bikers disappear into forests daily. Sharambeyan Street’s restored 19th-century buildings house galleries and workshops, but this isn’t a tourist trap; it’s where local composers actually live and work.

Growth is palpable—construction cranes dot the skyline as Armenia’s fastest-growing town. That means decent cafes and coworking spots, but also occasional water shortages in summer when the population swells. Rent is cheap, but inventory is tight; most expats end up in Soviet-era apartments with dodgy plumbing.