Ballarat, Australia

With a population of just 105,348, Ballarat is a relatively small inland city that struggles to shake its reputation for frosty winters. The tax burden is heavy as you'll pay for the city's lavish heritage preservation, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache - just ask the hapless homeowners fighting to preserve their Victorian verandahs. But Ballarat's well-preserved colonial charm and booming tourism industry offer a charming alternative to the bustle of Melbourne, 90 minutes down the road. This historic gold rush town may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more nostalgic pace of life.