I do some small sound work for bands, musicals, etc. as a hobby and have run unbalanced in some instances as long as 100 ft without any problems. But balanced is better in that instance because it would reduce any common mode noise. Depending on how it is designed, balanced also gives an instant 3db increase in signal to noise ratio just because it is balanced regardless of cable run.
My system is all unbalanced at home, and balanced for my sound work.
The one exception is all my sound restoration work is done with equipment all balanced (where possible) up to the time it is digitized. I want that extra noise reduction.