Bunbury, Australia

With a population of just 75,196, Bunbury is no bustling metropolis. This coastal city in Western Australia's south is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Perth, 175 kilometers to the north. The bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the drawn-out battle over the Eelup Rotary - a notorious regional intersection that took years and $16 million to upgrade. And while the Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers, the wet winters are a reality check for those seeking perpetual sunshine. Yet, for those drawn to the region's natural charms - from the Leschenault Inlet to the Ferguson Valley - Bunbury may be just the quiet, affordable alternative to the big city that they're seeking.