Sherbrooke, Canada

Capital City

With a population of 181,360, Sherbrooke is a major economic and academic hub in Quebec, but the brutal winters and bureaucratic headaches may make it a tough sell for some. The city boasts over 40,000 postsecondary students, accounting for a staggering 10.32% of the population. However, the climate is notoriously punishing, with 34 nights per year reaching -20°C or colder. And while Sherbrooke has a relatively low crime rate of 5,491 per 100,000, the municipal bureaucracy can be a persistent hassle. Overall, this city is best suited for hardy academics and industrious professionals who don't mind bundling up.