Ypsilanti, MI, United States

With a population of just 20,648, this small college town is no idyllic retreat. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city is the first in Michigan to pass a living wage ordinance, and a controversial racial comment by the former mayor made headlines in 2020. But Ypsilanti's history is undeniably rich, from its role in the automotive industry to its status as the birthplace of Domino's Pizza. Whether you're drawn to its cultural offerings or simply seeking an affordable alternative to nearby Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti may be the right fit for those willing to navigate its bureaucratic quirks.