Quilpué, Chile

Capital City

With a population of 147,991, Quilpué markets itself as the "City of the Sun," but the reality is that commuting to the coast for work is a daily grind for many. Housing may be cheaper here compared to the nearby cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, but the bureaucratic headaches of living in a provincial capital are a persistent pain. And while the city has a metropolitan train and bus connections, the 1.15-hour drive to Santiago is hardly convenient.

On the plus side, Quilpué does offer access to outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the surrounding Marga Marga Valley. But for those seeking a laidback coastal lifestyle, this sun-drenched city may not be the best fit.