Danilovgrad, Montenegro

Capital City

With a population of just 5,156, Danilovgrad is a sleepy town in central Montenegro that hardly merits the title of city. The fertile Zeta River valley it sits in may be picturesque, but the climate is brutally hot, with record highs over 112°F. And while the town was once envisioned as Montenegro's capital, it has since faded into obscurity, relegated to a waystation between the country's two largest cities.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents, with the town's status as an administrative center leading to a bloated government presence. The history here is also complicated, marred by wartime atrocities during the Yugoslav conflicts. While the local football and basketball teams provide some community spirit, overall Danilovgrad offers little to attract expats or adventurous retirees.

This town is best suited for Montenegrins seeking a quiet, affordable place to settle down, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.