Mirassol, Brazil

With a population of just 39,286, Mirassol is a modest municipality in the northern reaches of Brazil's São Paulo state. While the city boasts a thriving furniture industry and low homicide rates, the bureaucratic headaches of living here are a persistent challenge. The urban area covers only 47 square kilometers, leading to a population density of over 220 people per square kilometer. Mirassol's claim to fame is its football club, Mirassol Futebol Clube, which plays in a stadium that can hold over 14,500 fans. Overall, this small, industrialized city may appeal to those seeking a quieter, safer alternative to the megacities of Brazil, but the red tape is sure to test one's patience.