Nova Serrana, Brazil

Nova Serrana sits in Minas Gerais, a state known for its rolling hills and coffee farms. The town itself feels more like a large village than a city, with a population under 18,000. You’ll find a slower pace here compared to Brazil’s bustling metropolises, but that comes with trade-offs. Public transport is limited, and English speakers are rare outside tourist areas.

The local economy revolves around footwear manufacturing, so job opportunities lean heavily toward that industry. If you’re planning to work remotely, be prepared for occasional internet outages—common in smaller Brazilian towns. The weather is mild year-round, but rainy seasons can make unpaved roads tricky to navigate. Living in Nova Serrana suits those who want a quiet, rural Brazilian experience, but it’s not ideal for urbanites or those needing robust infrastructure.