Boa Viagem, Brazil

The population of 50,411 residents may seem modest, but Boa Viagem is anything but sleepy. This coastal neighborhood in Recife boasts one of Brazil's most visited beaches, stretching a full 5 miles. However, the tranquil waters hide a grim reality - the area has seen a spate of tiger shark attacks since the 1990s, likely due to disruptions from a nearby port development. Despite these safety concerns, Boa Viagem remains a center of Recife's social life, home to a massive 465-store shopping mall that rivals the largest in South America.

In fact, this wealthy enclave has a human development index on par with Scandinavia, suggesting an exceptionally high quality of life. The neighborhood's close proximity to the Recife International Airport is a further perk. So for those willing to navigate the occasional bureaucratic headache and keep a wary eye on the surf, Boa Viagem offers an enticing slice of Brazil's prosperous southern coast.