Mercedes, Argentina

With a population of just 63,284, the reality check is that Mercedes, Argentina is a small, provincial outpost far from the glitz of Buenos Aires. The city's main employer is the Mercedes-Benz plant, which has operated here since 1951 and employs over 2,000 people. But don't expect a thriving expat scene - the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the company has even been accused of colluding with the former dictatorial government. On the plus side, the city does boast a rich automotive heritage, with five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio serving as the company's honorary president for over two decades. Overall, Mercedes is best suited for diehard gearheads seeking a quiet, no-frills life in industrial Argentina.