St. Thomas, Canada

With a population of just 38,909, St. Thomas is a small city in southwestern Ontario - hardly the bustling metropolis some might expect. The median household income of $71,356 is decent, but the local economy has struggled since the 2008 recession, with major auto plants shuttering and taking thousands of jobs with them. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city is both independent of and the seat for Elgin County. And while the winters are cold and snowy, the city does offer amenities like the Trans Canada Trail and a handful of parks. Overall, St. Thomas is best suited for those seeking a quiet, affordable life in a small Ontario city, but the job market and bureaucratic hassles may be turnoffs for some.