Pickering, Canada

With a population of just 91,771 as of 2021, this sleepy commuter town east of Toronto offers little to get excited about. The development of the massive Seaton community has been glacially slow, with only 1,549 of the planned 20,989 units built so far. And while the city has a healthy job-to-resident ratio, much of the employment comes from the aging Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which is slated to begin decommissioning in 2024. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the federal government only just now cancelling plans for a long-proposed Pickering Airport after decades of uncertainty. For those seeking a quiet, affordable bedroom community within striking distance of Toronto, Pickering may fit the bill. But for anyone craving urban energy or small-town charm, this place is decidedly lacking.