Best Cities for Golfers Fairways and greens

Sunnyvale just took the #1 spot for golfers, and honestly, it makes sense. You're minutes from top-tier public courses like Sunnyvale Municipal and a short drive to private clubs in Los Altos Hills. The median home price is $1,712,500, which tells you this is a serious investment, not a weekend getaway.

The key advantage isn't just the golf; it's the ecosystem. With a $189,443 median household income and 71.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community is highly educated and economically stable. You're surrounded by tech professionals who value pristine fairways and quiet, clean neighborhoods. The 5.5% unemployment rate reflects a robust, though competitive, job market.

The catch? The cost of living index is 112.9, and a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,694. You're paying a premium for safety (violent crime is low at 178 per 100k) and access. Life is expensive, and you'll feel it at the grocery store and on your mortgage statement.

Insider tip: Check out the Community Center neighborhood. It's centrally located, walkable to parks, and has a quieter, more established feel than the newer developments near the tech campuses.

Best for: Tech professionals who prioritize access to elite golf and top-tier schools.
Skip if: You're on a tight budget or crave a vibrant, gritty downtown nightlife.

Fremont, CA just snagged the #2 spot for golfers in 2026, and honestly, it makes sense. Nestled in the East Bay, you’re a short drive from legendary spots like Corica Park, a public gem with pristine greens. The median household income here is a solid $170,934, reflecting a stable, educated community where over 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. It’s a city that values its parks and open spaces, which translates to well-maintained courses.

But let’s be real: that lifestyle comes at a steep price. The median home price is a staggering $1,460,625, and with a cost of living index of 118.2, your paycheck won’t stretch as far as you’d hope. The 5.5% unemployment rate is a touch higher than the national average, hinting at a competitive job market.

Insider tip: For a true local feel, check out the Niles District. It’s a charming, historic area with a quiet vibe, home to a fantastic farmers' market and the Niles Canyon Railway—perfect for a weekend stroll after your round.

Best for: Families seeking top-tier schools and safe, suburban living with easy access to world-class golf.

Skip if: You're on a tight budget or crave the buzz of a dense, walkable urban center.

Santa Clara landed #3 for golfers for a reason: the weather is a dream, and you’re minutes from legendary courses like the PGA Tour’s own CordeValle. The median household income sits at a hefty $166,228, which tells you the local economy is robust, but it also hints at the real cost of living here.

The catch? That income needs to stretch. The median home price is a staggering $1,632,500, and even renting a one-bedroom will set you back $2,694 a month on average. It’s a premium market, no doubt.

For local flavor, skip the chain restaurants and head to the Santa Clara Farmers Market on Saturdays. It’s a community staple where you can grab fresh produce and chat with locals who are more likely to talk about the 49ers than their handicap.

Best for: Ambitious professionals in tech who want elite golfing and don’t mind a high cost of living.
Skip if: You’re on a strict budget or prefer a quiet, small-town vibe over Silicon Valley energy.

Bellevue made the golf list for a reason: you’re never more than a 10-minute drive from a championship course, yet you’re also nestled in a tech-forward city with stunning lake and mountain views. The scene is world-class, with places like The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge offering challenging play right in the backyard.

The key advantage is the sheer convenience paired with safety and wealth. With a median household income of $158,253 and a violent crime rate of just 178 per 100k, it’s a secure, affluent base for enthusiasts. The catch, however, is the brutal cost. The median home price is a staggering $1,535,000, and the overall cost of living sits 13% above the national average, making it a serious financial commitment.

Insider tip: Skip the downtown high-rises and target the Crossroads neighborhood. It’s more affordable, has a great community vibe, and you’re just a short drive from the courses.

Best for: Established professionals who can comfortably afford a $1.5M home and want top-tier golf minutes from their door.
Skip if: You’re early in your career, want a vibrant nightlife scene, or are priced out by the housing market.

San Mateo, CA made the "Best Cities for Golfers 2026" list for a reason: you’re minutes from the legendary TPC Harding Park, a PGA Tour host. It’s a golfer’s dream with a mild climate and a community that lives for the game.

The key advantage is the sheer quality of life, backed by a median household income of $152,913 and a highly educated populace (58.3% hold a bachelor's degree). This translates to excellent public services, top-tier schools, and a safe environment, with violent crime sitting at a relatively low 234 incidents per 100,000 people.

But the catch is brutally simple: cost. The median home price is a staggering $1,335,000, and even a one-bedroom rental averages $2,818 a month. The cost of living index is 118.2, meaning you’ll pay a premium for everything from groceries to gas.

Insider tip: For a more accessible slice of the good life, look at the Bay Meadows neighborhood. It’s a newer, master-planned community with a distinct village feel and its own parks, offering a slightly more manageable entry point than the city’s historic cores.

Best for: Established professionals and families who prioritize safety, top schools, and can comfortably afford the housing market.

Skip if: You're a young renter, a first-time homebuyer, or if your heart is set on vibrant nightlife—this is a quiet, family-oriented suburb.

Naperville’s #6 golf ranking isn't a fluke; it's a lifestyle. With 151,220 residents, it feels like a big town, but the vibe is pure suburban community, anchored by a median household income of $152,181 that funds top-tier parks and, crucially, pristine fairways.

The golf here is legitimately great, with multiple public courses like the 27-hole Naperville Park District complex that locals fight to tee off on. The education level is sky-high at 71.6% holding a bachelor's, and with a violent crime rate of just 89.0 per 100k, it’s exceptionally safe for families. The catch? You pay for it. The median home price of $541,000 is the real barrier to entry, and the cost of living index at 102.6 means your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it might in a neighboring state.

Insider Tip: Don’t just focus on the golf courses. The Riverwalk, especially around the "Dandelion Fountain" in downtown Naperville, is the true community hub. It’s where everyone meets for a walk or coffee before hitting the links.

Best for: Families seeking top schools, avid golfers who want easy access to championship courses, and commuters to Chicago (about 30 minutes by Metra).

Skip if: You’re on a strict budget, crave a bustling urban core, or hate the idea of paying a premium for the "perfect" suburban package.

Carmel, Indiana, landed at #7 on the 2026 "Best Cities for Golfers" list for one simple reason: it’s a golfer’s playground. With over 20 courses within a 20-minute drive, you can tee off at prestigious private clubs or public tracks like the famed Brickyard Crossing, which plays through the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The city itself is affluent and stable. The median household income is $143,676, unemployment is a low 3.7%, and the violent crime rate is just 89 per 100k. A median home price of $502,450 isn't cheap, but the cost of living index (94.6) is actually below the national average, making it a relative value for the amenities. You’ll get more house for your money here than in many comparable suburbs.

The catch? It’s a quintessential car-dependent suburb. You’ll drive for everything. The social scene revolves around youth sports and school events; if you’re single or crave a bustling urban vibe, you’ll feel isolated.

Insider Tip: Don’t sleep on the Arts & Design District. It’s the walkable heart of Carmel, with great restaurants and the Palladium concert hall, offering a rare pocket of culture in an otherwise sprawling landscape.

Best for: Families seeking top-tier schools, avid golfers, and professionals who want a safe, quiet community with easy highway access to Indianapolis.
Skip if: You’re a young single, a renter on a budget, or you hate driving everywhere.

Frisco made the list for one reason: it's a golfer's playground. With the PGA of America's headquarters here and over a dozen pristine courses, you'll tee off more often than you commute.

The key advantage is the high quality of life for those who can afford it. You're looking at a median home price of $652,500, but the median household income is a robust $141,129, which helps explain the 67.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The city feels safe and meticulously planned, with a violent crime rate of just 123.0 per 100k.

The catch? It’s expensive and can feel a bit sterile. The cost of living index is 103.3, and while the median rent for a 1-bedroom is $1,291, that median home price puts ownership out of reach for many. It’s a transplant city, so building deep community roots can take time.

Insider tip: For a more established, less "new-build" vibe, check out the neighborhoods around Stonebriar Country Club. It’s got mature trees and a classic feel, unlike the sprawling subdivisions further north.

Best for: Young families and professionals who value safety, top-tier schools, and easy access to world-class golf.
Skip if: You crave a historic, walkable downtown or are priced out of a $650k+ housing market.

Thousand Oaks made #9 for golfers for one simple reason: access. You’re never more than 10 minutes from a tee time at a place like the championship course at Los Robles Greens, which even hosts a local PGA Tour qualifying event. The city is carved into hills and canyons, so the green vistas are real and the weather is reliably warm, giving you a long season to play.

The median home price of $1.03 million is the real catch, though. It’s a steep barrier to entry, and the overall cost of living sits 13.5% above the national average. While the median income is a solid $139k, you’re paying a premium for the safety (violent crime is just 123 per 100k) and the excellent schools.

For a local tip, check out the Old Town district along Thousand Oaks Blvd. It’s where you’ll grab a post-round beer at The Standing Room, a local institution, and actually feel the community vibe, which can be surprisingly elusive in the suburbs.

Best for: Established professionals and families who prioritize safety, good schools, and a quick drive to the first tee.
Skip if: You’re looking for a bargain, a vibrant nightlife scene, or a dense, walkable urban core.

San Jose isn’t just Silicon Valley’s hub; it’s a golfer’s unexpected paradise. With that #10 “Best Cities for Golfers 2026” ranking, you’re looking at year-round play on courses like the legendary Silver Creek Valley Country Club, all while being surrounded by tech and nature.

The key advantage is that high earning potential offsets the cost. The median household income is a robust $136,229, and with an unemployment rate of just 4.5%, jobs are plentiful—especially in tech. However, the catch is brutal: the cost of living is 12.9% above the national average, and the median home price sits at a staggering $1,298,000. Your paycheck, while large, will be stretched thin.

An insider tip for any local is to explore the Willows neighborhood. It’s one of the few places with true walkability, charming bungalows, and easy access to the Guadalupe River Trail, offering a respite from the suburban sprawl.

Best for: Ambitious tech professionals who want premier golf courses and high salaries within reach of the coast.
Skip if: You’re seeking affordability, a bustling nightlife, or a low-stress financial life.

Cambridge isn't your typical golf town, but it made #11 on the 2026 list for a reason. It's less about sprawling courses and more about a lifestyle that balances intense work with serious recreation. With a median household income of $134,307 and 82.7% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree, the city attracts a highly educated, competitive crowd that treats its downtime—like a round at the historic Fresh Pond Golf Course—very seriously.

The catch? You pay for the privilege. The cost of living index is 111.6, and with a median home price of $1,126,500, owning a place near the greens is a steep challenge. It’s a city of high achievers and higher costs.

Insider tip: Don't overlook the neighborhoods just outside the core. Places like North Cambridge offer slightly more space and a community feel while keeping you a short bike ride from the Charles River and the city's best amenities.

Best for: Academics, tech professionals, and competitive types who value world-class amenities and don't mind a premium price tag.
Skip if: You're seeking affordability, a quiet suburban feel, or a city built around car travel.

Sugar Land made the "Best Cities for Golfers 2026" list for a reason: it’s a lush, master-planned community where the golf cart is a viable second car. With a median household income of $133,144, the city funds pristine public courses like the one at Sugar Land Municipal Park, where the greens are consistently in top shape.

The catch? You're paying for that quality of life. While the median rent for a one-bedroom is a relatively approachable $1,135, the median home price sits at a hefty $400,000. The city's suburban perfection can also feel a bit sterile if you crave gritty, urban energy. You'll have to drive to Houston for a truly diverse arts and nightlife scene.

Insider tip: For the best balance of golf access and community feel, look for a home in the New Territory neighborhood. It’s tucked right next to the Greatwood Golf Club and has winding trails perfect for evening walks.

Best for: Families and avid golfers who prioritize safety, top-rated schools, and manicured green spaces over a bustling downtown core.

Skip if: You're a young professional seeking a vibrant, walkable city center or an urbanite who finds cookie-cutter suburbs suffocating.

Carlsbad consistently lands high on golf lists for a reason: you can practically hear the fairways from your backyard. It’s not just about the number of courses—though Torrey Pines South is a short drive north—but the weather that lets you play year-round. With a median household income of $131,257, the community has the means to support that lifestyle, and the 5.5% unemployment rate suggests a stable local economy.

But let's be real: that median home price is $1.65 million, and the cost of living index is 11.5% above the national average. You’re paying a premium for the sun and the sea breeze. Violent crime is low at 145 per 100k, which is a relief.

Insider tip: If you want to be close to the action without the La Costa price tag, check out the neighborhoods around the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. You're a bike ride from the beach and the many courses, but the housing stock is more varied and slightly more accessible.

Best for: Avid golfers with a solid budget who prioritize weather and outdoor living.
Skip if: You're looking for a bargain or a bustling urban core.

Cary made Golf Digest’s 2026 list for a reason: you’re never more than a 5-minute drive from a tee time. With 8 public courses within 10 miles and the PGA’s Wyndham Championship just up I-40 in Greensboro, the golf culture is real.

The upside is a stable, educated community. With a median household income of $129,607 and a 3.8% unemployment rate, it’s a secure place to put down roots. The catch? That security comes at a price. The median home price sits at $570,000, and while the cost of living index is 98.0, housing is the primary budget-buster.

Insider tip: Skip the golf courses for a day and hit the American Tobacco Trail. It’s a paved greenway that cuts right through the heart of town, perfect for biking or running. For a local bite, the food trucks outside of Bond Brothers Beer Company in downtown Cary are a weekend staple.

Best for: Families seeking top-rated schools and a safe, suburban feel with easy access to Raleigh’s job market.

Skip if: You’re looking for a walkable urban core or a low-cost housing market.

Irvine made the golf list for a reason: it's a master-planned paradise where 18 holes are just another amenity. With a median income of nearly $128,000, the community invests heavily in pristine, manicured courses like Shady Canyon, which feels more like a private club than public play.

The trade-off? You pay for that perfection. The median home price is a staggering $1.58 million, and the overall cost of living is 15.5% above the national average. It’s safe, with violent crime at just 67 incidents per 100k people, but the vibe can feel sterile, especially in the newer, identical tract-home neighborhoods.

Insider tip: Skip the generic master-planned core and find a rental near the Woodbridge area. It has more established trees, a genuine community feel, and you’re just a quick drive from the Oak Creek Golf Club.

Best for: Families who prioritize safety, top-tier schools, and living within a short walk or bike ride of a golf course.
Skip if: You crave a gritty downtown, walkable nightlife, or any sense of affordable living.