Vacaria, Brazil

With a population of just 58,610, Vacaria is a sleepy backwater in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city is known for its apple production, but the high-altitude climate can be a persistent headache, with freezing temperatures common in winter and the occasional blizzard dumping up to 2 meters of snow. And while Vacaria boasts some cultural attractions like a city museum and a cathedral, the bureaucracy can be a frustrating hassle for foreigners. Overall, this isolated agricultural town is best suited for retirees and outdoors enthusiasts seeking a slower pace of life.