São João da Boa Vista, Brazil

With a population of just 69,148, São João da Boa Vista is a sleepy, provincial backwater that offers little to draw in adventurous expats. The town was founded in 1824 by miners captivated by the natural beauty, and today it provides the basic infrastructure of any small Brazilian city - telecommunications, media, and a smattering of notable locals. However, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 14-year gap between the town's founding and its official declaration as a district. For those seeking an authentic Brazilian experience far from the glitz of Rio or São Paulo, São João da Boa Vista may hold some appeal. But for most, this unremarkable municipality will likely fail to capture the imagination.