Corner Brook, Canada

At just 19,316 people, Corner Brook is the fifth largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it's a far cry from the bustle of St. John's. The winters are brutal, with nearly 200 cm of snow dumped on the city in December and January alone. And the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, with the city only recently gaining its own broadcast radio station after years of operating online. Still, Corner Brook does offer a more affordable cost of living than the provincial capital, along with easy access to outdoor recreation like skiing and hiking. If you don't mind the chilly climate and red tape, this remote city could be a viable option.