SeaTac, WA, United States

With a population of just 31,454, this inner-ring suburb of Seattle is hardly the bustling metropolis many imagine. The median household income sits at $79,433, but the tax burden is heavy and 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's minimum wage laws mired in legal battles. On the plus side, the region's public transit options are extensive, including two Link light rail stations. Overall, SeaTac seems best suited for those seeking an affordable, well-connected alternative to the Seattle proper experience, rather than a glamorous urban lifestyle.