Taquara, Brazil

Taquara sits in Rio Grande do Sul, about an hour’s drive from Porto Alegre. It’s a small, quiet municipality with a population just under 43,000, making it more of a provincial town than a bustling city. The pace here is slow, and while that’s great for retirees or those looking to escape urban chaos, it can feel isolating if you’re used to more amenities or social buzz.

One thing to note: Taquara isn’t a hotspot for expats, so you’ll need to be comfortable navigating daily life in Portuguese. English isn’t widely spoken, and services like international schools or expat communities are limited. If you’re looking for a low-cost, low-key place to settle, Taquara works. But if you crave convenience or cultural diversity, you might find it lacking.