Squamish, Canada

Living in Squamish means trading urban sprawl for granite peaks and coastal forests. The town sits at the north end of Howe Sound, a scenic 45-minute drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. Forestry once dominated the economy, but since the pulp mill closure in 2006, tourism and outdoor recreation have taken center stage. The Stawamus Chief draws climbers, while mountain bikers and kiteboarders flock to the trails and windswept beaches.

Rent isn’t cheap — a one-bedroom in the city center runs over $2,100 — but it’s still a bargain compared to Vancouver. Many locals commute to the city or Whistler, making Squamish a bedroom community for those priced out of both. The outdoor lifestyle is the main draw, but winters are wet and gray, and the town’s infrastructure hasn’t fully caught up with its rapid growth. Squamish is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for nature access, but it’s not a budget-friendly FIRE destination.