Lacombe, Canada

With a population of just 13,396, Lacombe is a sleepy outpost, far from the bright lights of Alberta's major cities. The local economy is propped up by agriculture and oil, but bureaucratic headaches abound - the city's police force, founded in 1900, remains small with only 23 officers. While the Lacombe Research and Development Centre has made pioneering contributions to livestock breeding, the harsh prairie climate is a persistent challenge. Overall, this city caters best to those seeking a quieter, more pastoral existence, far from the hustle and bustle.