Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Living in Ann Arbor comes with a hefty price tag - the Michigan Theater's opulent 1,610-seat auditorium is a testament to the city's affluence. But beneath the veneer of cultural sophistication lies a persistent bureaucratic headache. The theater's storied history, from vaudeville to silent films, has weathered a 1956 renovation that destroyed much of its original ornate design. It took a community effort to save the historic venue from demolition in 1978 when its lease expired. Today, this non-profit-run gem hosts the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, a testament to the city's artistic sensibilities. However, those seeking an easy, carefree life should look elsewhere - Ann Arbor's charms come with a heavy dose of red tape.