Penshurst, NSW, Australia

With a population of just 12,592, Penshurst is a sleepy suburb far removed from the glitz of Sydney's city center. The area features low-to-medium density housing, a reliable but slow public transit system, and a hodgepodge of religious institutions and community groups. While the local parks and sports clubs provide recreation, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - just ask the residents who've battled with the city over historic landmarks and infrastructure projects. Penshurst may appeal to families and retirees seeking a quieter pace of life, but it's a far cry from the excitement of Australia's largest metropolis.