Cochrane, Canada

With a population of 32,199, this remote northern town offers few frills for the average urbanite. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Winters are long and brutal, with average temperatures dipping well below freezing. While the natural scenery may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, Cochrane is best suited for those with a rugged, self-reliant spirit who can tolerate the isolation and harsh climate.