Campos do Jordão, Brazil

At over 5,000 feet above sea level, Campos do Jordão offers a temperate respite from the heat, but its population of 37,135 swells to over 200,000 during the winter months, straining infrastructure and services. While the city's picturesque European-style architecture and outdoor activities appeal to tourists, the persistent bureaucracy and occasional water shortages are a persistent headache for year-round residents. With its cool, cloudy climate and seasonal influxes, Campos do Jordão is best suited for those seeking a quiet mountain retreat, not a permanent home.