Burbank, CA, United States

Life in Burbank, California is not all sunshine and show business. The city's public high school, established in 1908, now boasts 334 students - but the bureaucratic headaches are no small feat. While the campus has undergone a $2003 million renovation, including a new gym and performing arts center, the reality is that the area is still served by the Glendale Union High School District, a persistent source of friction. And beyond the glitz of its Hollywood connections, Burbank's safety record is mixed, with the school's speech and debate team earning national accolades even as other athletic programs struggle. So if you're drawn to the area's entertainment industry cachet, be prepared to navigate a complex web of local government and infrastructure. Otherwise, this city may not be the golden ticket you're hoping for.