Maroochydore, Australia

With a population of just 18,342, Maroochydore is a sleepy coastal town that doesn't quite live up to the Sunshine Coast's glossy reputation. While the central business district offers some shopping and dining options, the bureaucracy around maintaining the area's canal system is a persistent headache. Dredging programs and flood mitigation efforts are constant priorities for local authorities. Maroochydore may appeal to retirees or families seeking a quieter pace of life, but those looking for big-city energy will likely find it lacking.