Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, Brazil

With a population of just 39,544, this small city in São Paulo state is hardly a bustling metropolis. While it's known for rice processing and the residents' surprising affinity for alfalfa, the trade-offs of living here are not to be overlooked. The city's telecommunications infrastructure, once handled by a state-run provider, is now in the hands of a private operator - a sign of the bureaucratic headaches that can come with daily life. And for those seeking an active social scene or big-city amenities, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo is unlikely to satisfy. This sleepy municipality is best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life and a taste of Brazil's agricultural heartland.