Santo André, Brazil

With a population of just under 617,000, Santo André is a Brazilian industrial hub that's hardly a paradise. The city's factories and development have come at a cost - over 60% of the total area is protected land, creating a bureaucratic headache for new residents. And while Santo André touts its reputation as a family-friendly city, the unsolved 2002 assassination of the serving mayor is a sobering reminder that crime remains a persistent issue.

For those drawn to Santo André's booming economy and manufacturing opportunities, the tradeoffs of heavy environmental regulation and public safety concerns are simply the price of doing business. But for those seeking an easy, carefree relocation, this gritty industrial city may not be the best fit.