Blumenau, Brazil

With a population of 212,025, Blumenau is no quaint German outpost. This former textile hub in southern Brazil has grown into a bustling commercial center, though its heritage remains on full display. Frequent flooding is a persistent headache, with the city isolated for weeks after major events in 1983 and 2008. But the high human development index of 0.806 suggests a generally high quality of life, if you can handle the subtropical climate's hot, humid summers. For those seeking a modern Brazilian city with a strong German cultural influence, Blumenau could be an appealing option.