Montmagny, Canada

Capital City

With a population of just under 11,000, Montmagny is a sleepy provincial seat on the St. Lawrence River, 80 kilometers east of Quebec City. The city was founded over 350 years ago and remains largely industrial, having weathered the closure of a Whirlpool plant that cut 600 jobs. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city divided by the South River and overseen by a rotating cast of local politicians.

On the upside, Montmagny brands itself as the "Snow Goose Capital" and hosts lively autumn festivals. But the long, cold winters and remote, rural location make this an unappealing choice for most urban-minded professionals. Montmagny is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and retirees seeking a peaceful, insular community.