Salmon Arm, Canada

With a population of just 17,706, Salmon Arm is a sleepy backwater in the Canadian interior. The forest industry and tourism prop up the local economy, but the plywood plant has been shuttered for years. While the region boasts scenic Shuswap Lake, the climate is a frigid continental affair, with January temperatures averaging -2.6°C. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache too - the city has been through multiple status changes, from municipal district to village to city. Overall, Salmon Arm seems best suited for retirees seeking a quiet, affordable alternative to the pricey coastal cities.