Paulista, Brazil

Paulista punches above its weight for a mid-sized Brazilian city. Its beaches, like Maria Farinha, draw locals and tourists, but the vibe stays low-key compared to Rio or Florianópolis. The Veneza water park is a family magnet, but expats here tend to focus on the practical perks: solid infrastructure and the highest HDI in the Recife metro area.

Living in Paulista means dealing with Brazilian bureaucracy — expect paperwork delays for visas and banking. The city center rents are shockingly cheap, but quality varies block by block. Safety feels decent during the day, but like most Brazilian cities, you’ll want to avoid wandering alone at night.

Paulista works best for expats who want beach access without the chaos of bigger cities, and who can navigate Brazil’s red tape with patience.