Saint-Jérôme, Canada

Capital City

Saint-Jérôme is a sleepy suburban outpost with a population of 82,274, situated about 45 kilometers northwest of Montreal. While the city boasts a Catholic cathedral, modern art museum, and summer festivals, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the local arena is slated for a costly $45 million renovation just to meet safety standards. With a harsh continental climate of warm, rainy summers and frigid, snowy winters, Saint-Jérôme is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to the bustle of Montreal.