Alvorada, Brazil

With a population of 187,315, Alvorada may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality is far more complex. The Palácio da Alvorada, the official residence of the Brazilian president, looms large over this city - both literally and figuratively. While the palace's modernist design is undoubtedly impressive, the persistent bureaucratic headaches that come with living in the capital's shadow can quickly wear down even the most resilient expat.

The lavish restoration efforts undertaken in recent years have done little to address the underlying issues plaguing Alvorada. Tales of Jair Bolsonaro's alleged mistreatment of the presidential palace serve as a sobering reminder that political turmoil is never far away. For those seeking a quiet, apolitical existence, Alvorada may not be the ideal destination.

Ultimately, Alvorada is a city best suited for those with a deep fascination for Brazilian politics and architecture, and a tolerance for the constant demands of government bureaucracy.