Cachoeiras de Macacu, Brazil

Living in this city of 40,208 people is a mixed bag. The sprawling 956 square kilometer municipality contains protected environmental areas, but also exurb-like development that's part of the greater Rio de Janeiro metro region. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the mayor and various conservation areas adding layers of red tape.

On the plus side, the city holds parts of the Três Picos State Park and other protected Atlantic Forest zones. This provides ample outdoor recreation options for nature lovers. However, the sheer size and diversity of the municipality means services and infrastructure can be uneven.

Overall, Cachoeiras de Macacu is best suited for hardy souls seeking a more affordable, slower-paced alternative to the bustle of Rio, with the tradeoff of dealing with Brazil's notorious bureaucracy.