San Rafael, Costa Rica

Forget the idyllic Costa Rican vision - the tax burden is heavy, and the bureaucracy is a persistent headache for expats. Juan Rafael Mora Porras, who served as president from 1849 to 1859, significantly increased the requirements for Costa Rican citizenship, leaving the majority of the population without voting rights. As he privatized the country's commons, the landless peasants were left helpless, with no constitutional means to achieve political representation.

The Filibuster War of 1856-1857 also left a grim legacy - a cholera epidemic that killed 10% of the Costa Rican population. While Mora and his brother were hailed as national heroes for their efforts, his later attempt to reclaim the presidency ended in defeat, capture, and execution by firing squad in 1860.

San Rafael may have a tranquil veneer, but the reality is a heavy-handed state and a turbulent history. This city is best suited for those with a high tolerance for red tape and a willingness to navigate Costa Rica's complex political landscape.