Mixco, Guatemala

With a population of 384,428, Mixco is the second-largest city in Guatemala - but don't let that fool you. This sprawling suburb of the capital is plagued by a persistent bureaucratic headache, with a maze of residential neighborhoods, villages, and settlements that can make day-to-day life a challenge. The city's subtropical highland climate may be pleasant, but it's the canyons and bridges connecting Mixco to Guatemala City that really define the experience here.

For those looking to live in the shadow of the capital, Mixco offers a more affordable alternative. But be prepared to navigate a complex web of local governance and infrastructure if you plan to call this place home.