Phoenix, AZ, United States

Phoenix may have a striking Spanish Colonial Revival post office, but the city's rapid growth and federal presence come with a price. The 1932-1936 construction of this six-story behemoth, now downsized to two stories, symbolized Phoenix's ascent. Yet bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the building houses a rotating cast of federal entities and has undergone extensive interior alterations over the decades.

Blazing desert heat is another drawback - the building's basement is described as "utilitarian," a space for storage and mechanical needs rather than human comfort. And while the post office lobby retains architectural details, the exterior's "substantial merit" has been somewhat impaired by modifications like painted trim.

If you can handle the bureaucratic hassles and searing climate, Phoenix may appeal as a hub of federal activity and local pride. But this city is not for the faint of heart.