Itatiba, Brazil

With a population of just 61,645, Itatiba is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Brazil's major cities. The rugged terrain and colonial-style architecture lend the place a quaint charm, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the city's remote 80km distance from São Paulo can make daily life a slog. While Itatiba boasts an impressive municipal development index and one of Latin America's largest thematic zoos, the trade-offs may outweigh the benefits for many. This is a city best suited for those seeking a slower, more affordable pace of life away from the crowds and chaos of Brazil's metropolises.