Birch Run, MI, United States

With a population of just 1,525, Birch Run is a sleepy village in Michigan's Saginaw County that offers little in the way of excitement or amenities. The town was founded as a railroad stop in 1852 and has remained a quiet backwater ever since, with a demographic makeup that skews heavily white (93.9%) and older (12.2% over 65). While the median household income of $41,685 is respectable, the bureaucratic headaches of dealing with local government are a persistent frustration for residents. Ultimately, Birch Run seems best suited for retirees and those seeking an ultra-low-key, slow-paced lifestyle, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city living.