Port Alberni, Canada

At just 17,678 residents, Port Alberni feels more like a sleepy logging town than a bustling metropolis. The city's economy has been in steady decline for years as the forestry industry dwindles, leaving locals to grapple with a heavy tax burden. While the natural surroundings are undoubtedly stunning, the perpetual rain and occasional earthquakes are a persistent headache. Port Alberni may appeal to outdoorsy types seeking a slower pace of life, but those seeking urban amenities would be better off looking elsewhere.