Greater Sudbury, Canada

With a population of around 166,004, Greater Sudbury is a sprawling city in Northern Ontario that struggles to maintain an urban core amidst its far-flung communities. Mining remains a major employer, though it now accounts for only 6,000 local jobs, down from a high of 25% in the 1970s. While the city has made strides in diversifying its economy, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, and the long, snowy winters are not for the faint of heart. For those seeking a regional service hub with a touch of Francophone culture, Greater Sudbury may be worth a look, but the reality is far from the pristine wilderness that some may envision.