Caieiras, Brazil

With a population of just 39,069, Caieiras is a small, forested municipality that hardly resembles the bustling metropolis of São Paulo it borders. While the lush Cantareira State Park and CPTM rail line offer outdoor recreation and commuter convenience, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache - the economy is dominated by a single paper company, and telecommunications are limited to a few major providers. Those seeking a quiet, green escape from the big city may find Caieiras appealing, but anyone craving more urban energy and amenities would do better to look elsewhere.