Cornwall, Canada

With a population of just 46,589, Cornwall is a small industrial city struggling to shed its polluted past. The legacy of decades-old industrial sites continues to contaminate the riverfront, while a giant 80-metre-tall dump known as "Big Ben" looms over the city. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city only recently upgrading to secondary sewage treatment after decades of operating with just primary facilities.

On the plus side, Cornwall's air quality has improved since the shutdown of major polluters, now ranking as the best in Ontario. And the city's integrated history of migrants and refugees has created a surprisingly diverse community, with over 15% of residents identifying as visible minorities or Indigenous.

Overall, Cornwall is a pragmatic choice for those seeking an affordable small-town lifestyle, but the environmental baggage and lack of government support may be a turn-off for many.