St. Catharines, Canada

With a population of 136,803, St. Catharines is a mid-sized city in the Niagara region that struggles with its fair share of urban issues. The obesity rate was once among the highest in Canada, though it has since been surpassed by other centers. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city failing to promptly disclose information about environmental contamination from a former GM plant. On the upside, the temperate climate allows for thriving wineries and parks, while the Welland Canal provides an economic engine. Overall, St. Catharines offers a relatively affordable cost of living, but prospective residents should brace for a mix of urban challenges.