Tijucas, Brazil

With just 19,650 residents, Tijucas is a small city in the greater Florianópolis area of southern Brazil. Its flat central district and surrounding hills offer a tranquil, nature-filled respite, but the hospitable locals can't mask the bureaucratic headaches that come with living here. The city's economy relies heavily on pottery and agriculture, and while the annual Holy Spirit festival and Christmas nativity scene provide cultural touchstones, the sleepy vibe may prove a poor fit for those seeking big-city energy.