São Lourenço do Sul, Brazil

Living in São Lourenço do Sul means settling into a small, slow-paced town on the edge of Lagoa dos Patos. The population barely budged over the last decade, hovering around 43,000, so don’t expect a bustling urban scene. The town’s proximity to Camaquã State Park offers easy access to nature, but amenities are limited — this isn’t a place for those who crave convenience or variety.

Expats in São Lourenço do Sul will need patience with the town’s modest infrastructure and lack of international services. The language barrier can be steep outside tourist areas, and English speakers are rare. If you’re looking for a quiet, low-cost retreat near nature, this might work. But for anyone needing modern comforts or a vibrant expat community, it’s a tough sell.