Atibaia, Brazil

With a population of just 86,336, Atibaia is a modest Brazilian municipality that lacks the glitz and glamor of its bigger neighbors. While 65% of the population is considered economically active, the city's development bank had to loan $2 million in 2005 to help improve city hall management, suggesting persistent bureaucratic headaches. Located 64 km northeast of São Paulo, Atibaia's average altitude of 800 meters provides a more temperate climate than the sweltering coastal cities, but the tradeoff is its relative isolation. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the concrete jungle, Atibaia could be worth a look, but it's no vibrant metropolis.