Nova Lima, Brazil

Nova Lima is a mining town with a small-city feel, close enough to Belo Horizonte for metro conveniences but far enough to avoid the chaos. The Morro Velho mine dominates the local economy—you'll hear Portuguese mixed with mining jargon at every café. Don't expect walkability; the hills are steep, and public transport leans on buses heading into BH.

Weekends mean football at Villa Nova Atlético Clube or hiking in Serra do Rola-Moça State Park. The expat scene is nearly nonexistent—this is for Portuguese speakers who want proximity to Brazil's third-largest city without paying BH prices. Watch for seasonal landslides in the park areas during heavy rains.