Arujá, Brazil

With a population of just 37,622, Arujá is a sleepy commuter town, not the bustling metropolis one might expect from a city in the São Paulo metro area. While the city sits within the expansive 292,000-hectare Mananciais do Rio Paraíba do Sul Environmental Protection Area, offering residents a greener, more tranquil setting, the trade-off is a persistent bureaucratic headache - the city is served by multiple telecom providers, each with their own red tape.

Arujá's small-town vibe and natural surroundings may appeal to those seeking an escape from the chaos of São Paulo. However, for young professionals or families looking to be at the heart of the action, this quiet enclave an hour's drive from the city center is unlikely to satisfy their urban cravings.