Itajubá, Brazil

The population of just 75,014 makes Itajubá feel more like a sleepy backwater than a vibrant Brazilian city. The local economy centers around industries like auto parts and textiles, but the region's remoteness and heavy summer rains are persistent headaches. Bureaucracy is another common frustration, with the city acting as a bureaucratic hub for 14 surrounding municipalities. However, Itajubá does boast the Federal University of Itajubá and several other respected educational institutions, making it a draw for students seeking technical degrees. Overall, this isolated mountain town is best suited for those seeking a quieter pace of life and don't mind weathering the region's challenging climate and administrative hassles.