Which non-US cities do you think are as yet unrecognized "gems in the rough"? Maybe they've been in the midst of a civil war that is now over. Maybe they're in a "third world" country that is rapidly developing. Maybe they're in a former Eastern Bloc country.
Some that come to mind for me include:
Medellin, Colombia
Tallin, Estonia
Gurgaon, India
Manta, Ecuador
You're thoughts? What is it that you like about the city?
For example, the reasons I like Manta, Ecuador include:
* Ecuador has the most liberal visa and immigration policy of any country in the world. The citizens of most countries can get a 90 day visa on arrival.
* It's equatorial, with a mild climate year round (76 - 90 degrees year round).
* Low hurricane risk.
* Active night life with several large hotel chains.
* Second largest port in Ecuador, capable of handling large cruise ships.
* A small international airport nearby that can handle 747's.
* Widely varying terrain, from mountain to the Galapagos islands nearby.
* Population: 200+ K; large enough to support most modern amenities (hospitals, movie theaters, grocery stores), yet not so large to be oppressive.
* Great beaches, fishing, and windsurfing.
* Inexpensive real estate.
* Low cost of living.
* Nearby shipbuilding industry
* Socially liberal (at least on paper). Prostitution is legal, and psychedelic drug use is tolerated.
* Central time zone, so not out of sync with US businesses
Downsides:
* Petty crime
* Polluted tap water
* Industrial pollution
* Remote
* Socialist / kleptocratic government
* Poor - average income is about $5700/year
Some that come to mind for me include:
Medellin, Colombia
Tallin, Estonia
Gurgaon, India
Manta, Ecuador
You're thoughts? What is it that you like about the city?
For example, the reasons I like Manta, Ecuador include:
* Ecuador has the most liberal visa and immigration policy of any country in the world. The citizens of most countries can get a 90 day visa on arrival.
* It's equatorial, with a mild climate year round (76 - 90 degrees year round).
* Low hurricane risk.
* Active night life with several large hotel chains.
* Second largest port in Ecuador, capable of handling large cruise ships.
* A small international airport nearby that can handle 747's.
* Widely varying terrain, from mountain to the Galapagos islands nearby.
* Population: 200+ K; large enough to support most modern amenities (hospitals, movie theaters, grocery stores), yet not so large to be oppressive.
* Great beaches, fishing, and windsurfing.
* Inexpensive real estate.
* Low cost of living.
* Nearby shipbuilding industry
* Socially liberal (at least on paper). Prostitution is legal, and psychedelic drug use is tolerated.
* Central time zone, so not out of sync with US businesses
Downsides:
* Petty crime
* Polluted tap water
* Industrial pollution
* Remote
* Socialist / kleptocratic government
* Poor - average income is about $5700/year