Jarinu, Brazil

The population is just shy of 11,000, a far cry from the bustling metropolises further south. Jarinu's elevation of 755 meters provides a temperate climate, but the sleepy municipality can feel worlds away from the excitement of São Paulo. Telecommunications are handled by the Vivo brand, a subsidiary of Spain's Telefónica, which acquired the local provider in 1998. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents.

Overall, Jarinu offers a quiet, affordable refuge for those seeking an escape from the frenetic pace of Brazil's major cities, though it lacks the amenities and opportunities of its more populous neighbors.