São João de Meriti, Brazil

With a population of 425,772, São João de Meriti is one of the most densely populated municipalities in the Americas, earning it the moniker "America's Anthill." As a commuter town on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, the city grapples with persistent sanitation issues in many of its poorer districts. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the municipality is divided into 21 neighborhoods and 3 districts, each with its own quirks and red tape.

While São João de Meriti has developed some cultural institutions and commercial centers in recent years, the city's high density and lacking infrastructure make it a better fit for those seeking an affordable, no-frills base of operations than an aspirational lifestyle. This is a place for pragmatic expats who prioritize access to Rio over creature comforts.