Nuuk, Greenland

Capital City

Nuuk is a place where you either embrace the Arctic or get crushed by it. The capital of Greenland feels more like a large village than a city, with just under 7,000 people spread across colorful houses clinging to rocky fjords. The rebuilt airport makes arrivals smoother, but don’t expect tropical ease—you’ll still need serious cold-weather gear by October. Groceries cost double what they do in Copenhagen, and the limited selection means you’ll be eating a lot of frozen fish.

Expats in Nuuk either thrive on the stark beauty and tight-knit community or bail within a year. The suburbs like Qinngorput offer slightly cheaper housing, but you’ll be dependent on sporadic bus service. This is for self-sufficient types who don’t mind trading convenience for raw nature and a tax-friendly setup. If you need nightlife or warm winters, look elsewhere.