Some of the best-known cities in the world, where many aspire to live and work, are naturally the least affordable when it comes to home ownership.

But there is no need to have big city envy when smaller hubs offer quality of life and a realistic price tag.

Many websites have compiled the list of small best cities, out of which the global media publication monocle, rounds up 25 of the best places, chosen not only for their lifestyle attractions, but also for doing business.

So where are these hidden gems?

1.Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland, takes the top spot. A city with fewer than 200,000 people, it is described as providing “something of a sweet spot when it comes to offering an optimum balance of social and cultural diversity and quaintness”.

Lausanne is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes. In the medieval city centre, which remains largely car-free, small alleyways are lined with cafes, boutiques and lively street markets, and there are many architecturally significant buildings to explore.

In addition to the largely French-language state school system, the city has a good range of international schools.

Getting around is easy: Lausanne is billed as the smallest city in the world with a rapid transit railway (28 stations) as well as a good road network.

Switzerland is strict on foreigners buying property, so options may be limited – but around 60 per cent of residents in the country rent their homes. Long stay flats in Lausanne are listed on property rental sites from about €1,135 (US$1,264) monthly (two bedrooms, unfurnished).

2. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, claims to host one of America's most enthusiastically outdoor recreation-focused communities.

Boulder, Colorado, claims to host one of America's most enthusiastically outdoor recreation-focused communities.

Second top pick is Boulder in the US, where – according to Monocle's research – native and adoptive residents say the sense of community and talent pool were decisive factors in staying. Work-life balance is also cited.

This Rocky Mountain city in Colorado claims to host one of America's most enthusiastically outdoor recreation-focused communities, as well as being a top dining destination. In 2017 National Geographic recognised Boulder as the happiest city in the US, while Forbes named it number one among the country's fittest cities.

A major tech hub with a thriving start-up scene, Boulder is home to 17 federally funded laboratories and a large University of Colorado campus. The US is open to foreigners buying property, and homes are listed for sale from US$250,000 (a ground floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat) up to US$2.54 million for a seven-bedroom, 5.6-hectare estate.

Bergen, Norway
Bergen, Norway, is ranked third. Cited for its outdoor life, the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is a gateway to the fiords of Norway's western coast. According to one expat relocation site, residents enjoy high salaries and a balance between their personal and professional life, although the cost of living is quite high.

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Norway; however, browsing from afar could be tricky as most websites are not in English

4. Hobart, Australia
Hobart, Australia, is next. Sydney and Melbourne are the priciest among Australian capital cities, but the southernmost state of Tasmania is the second best-performing economy.

With median house and flat prices in Hobart at AUS$464,168, it is no longer the most affordable capital (Adelaide, Perth and Darwin are cheaper), but with the historic charm of many properties, DIY-ers can find the perfect fixer-upper. Hobart's pristine environment and laid-back lifestyle are clear to even short-term visitors.

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5.Chigasaki, Japan
Surrounded by mountains and oceans, this coastal community in south Kanagawa “feels like a refuge”, Monocle says – but with Tokyo an hour by train, you can always commute. It's Japan's surfing birthplace, with an amateur competition each summer, and is good for cycling and international cuisine.

Japan has no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate but, like anywhere, seaside living does not come cheap. In the beach area of Chigasaki, a solid, two-bedroom house could cost the equivalent of US$1.6 million.

Nice.

6. Bolzano, Italy
Sixth-ranked Bolzano, Italy, is rated by Monocle as “best for wine lovers”, but that could arguably also be true for Bordeaux, France, which follows in seventh place.
This year, Bolzano was feted in a national publication as the most liveable city in Italy, based on health, business opportunities, level of environmental protection and life satisfaction levels – and not for the first time. Residents of this quaint northern town bordering Switzerland and Austria enjoy mountain scenery and a mix of central European and Mediterranean cultures.

Foreigners wishing to buy property in Italy must have a residence permit (except for those living in a country with reciprocity, such as the US). Monthly rentals for a three-room flat in Bolzano start from €650.

7.Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux needs no introduction – in addition to being a famous wine region, it is one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities. Cited by Monocle as a relaxing alternative to Paris, the city is attracting young professionals looking to escape the capital's higher living costs – but it is still not cheap, compared to much of France.

In addition to quality of life, residents enjoy free health care, social care and government-funded primary education. Bordeaux International School is popular among expats as classes are held in English and French.

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying homes in France, but Bordeaux is the second most expensive place to buy nationally, after Paris. Rental for a two-bedroom flat costs around €721 to €902 a month.

8. Innsbruck, Austria
In eighth position is Innsbruck, Austria. As a tourist hub and university city, this alpine town offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with restaurants, street cafes and bars making for a lively nightlife in the medieval central plaza. Expect to rug up, though. Winters are cold with heavy snow, which is a main attraction for skiers.
Non-EU citizens need to go through an approval process to buy property in Austria. Prices range from €171,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom holiday-style flat, up to several million for an expansive home.

9.Porto, Portugal
Porto, in Portugal, is ninth on the list, recommended as a “sprightly alternative to Lisbon”.

Apart from the usual attractions such as a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Portugal appeals to foreigners because of its Golden Visa programme, offering the opportunity for residency with property investment.

Upon becoming a citizen, residents obtain one of the world's best passports in terms of global travel, and the right to work anywhere in the EU/EEA (European Economic Area).

If you are prepared to buy in an older building in need of renovation, the required investment spend to apply for a Golden Visa is just €350,000, or €500,000 for a newer property.

10. Aachen, Germany
Rounding out the top 10 best small cities is Aachen, Germany. Sharing the border with the Netherlands and Belgium, this historic spa town is a cultural melting pot.
Known as the cathedral city of Europe, it has numerous historical buildings as well as the famous baths which sit over a hot natural spring, and with countryside all around, an outdoor lifestyle beckons walking frames, cyclists and boaties.

This is Germany, so the crime rate is low, and the infrastructure is good. Aachen has several highly regarded universities and, as one of six regional digital hubs designated by the government, a vibrant start-up scene attracting local and international tech talents. Rent per month is estimated at around €518 for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre, or €401 farther out.

Source: South China morning post
Luxurytravelmag
Monocle
Newpaper24

cc: Lalasticlala, justwise, Seun, DisGuy

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