Petaluma, CA, United States

Living in Petaluma means dealing with a heavy bureaucratic headache - the city council famously eliminated the entire planning department in 2009. Its population of 59,776 enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, but are also subject to occasional flooding from the Petaluma River. With a median household income of $100,379, Petaluma appeals to those seeking a historic small-town vibe and access to the greater San Francisco Bay Area, but the regulatory hassle may be too much for some.