Rio Grande da Serra, Brazil

At just 30 miles from São Paulo, Rio Grande da Serra may seem like a convenient escape from the big city. But the reality is a population of only 29,901 packed into just 14 square miles, with an urbanization rate of just 10%. The climate is subtropical, with hot, rainy summers and a persistent haze for half the year. And while the city boasts a well-conserved natural environment, the persistent issue of waste disposal directly into the local reservoir is a headache that won't go away. For those seeking a quiet, affordable life close to São Paulo, Rio Grande da Serra may fit the bill. But the bureaucracy and environmental challenges mean it's not for the faint of heart.