Mandaqui, Brazil

With a population of 107,580, Mandaqui is no sleepy suburb. This district of São Paulo is home to one of the world's largest urban forests, the Cantareira Park, but don't let the greenery fool you - bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. Much of the northern part of Mandaqui is occupied by the Serra da Cantareira mountain range, which provides a scenic backdrop but can also make navigating the area a challenge. Overall, Mandaqui offers a unique blend of urban and natural, but it's best suited for those who don't mind wrangling with local red tape.