Best Cities for Golfers Fairways and greens

Scottsdale didn’t just win the #1 spot for "Best Cities for Golfers 2026" by accident; it’s a calculated advantage. When I visited last fall, the sheer number of courses packed into the 186 square miles was staggering. What surprised me was the city’s surprising health score of 86.2, a figure that speaks to a lifestyle where golf and wellness are intertwined, not separate pursuits.

The real advantage is the concentration of championship golf. You’re not just near courses; you’re in a city where 60.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, a demographic that understands and invests in premium leisure. Scottsdale’s cost of living index is 105.5, only 5.5% above the national average, which feels almost reasonable for the access you get. Compare that to a city like Pebble Beach, where the premium is astronomical. Here, the median household income of $106,058 helps sustain a network of 50+ courses, from the public TPC Scottsdale to private enclaves like Whisper Rock.

But the honest catch is the summer. When I visited in July, the heat is a physical wall. The air quality index averages 41, which is great, but the summer temperatures regularly hit 110°F, making outdoor activity impossible for months unless you’re on the course at dawn. It’s a seasonal lockdown. You’re paying for the winter golf season in sweat equity the rest of the year.

Insider knowledge points you to the 85255 zip code. Forget the tourist-heavy Old Town; the neighborhood around the McCormick Ranch area has a local, unpretentious vibe. I had one of my best meals at The Mission on N Scottsdale Road, a spot locals swear by for its craft cocktails and Latin-inspired small plates, far from the scene on Main Street.

A realistic monthly budget, factoring in a 2BR rent at $1,877 and dining out, easily pushes past $4,000.

Best for: The serious golfer who values course variety and mild winters above all else.
Skip if: You hate extreme heat or are on a tight budget; the summer costs (in AC bills and cabin fever) are real.

When I visited Orlando last fall, I was struck by a number that explains its #2 rank for golfers: an average year-round air quality index of 32, which is remarkably clean for a major tourist hub. This means fewer hazy days obscuring your sightlines on the fairway. The city’s 1.7 million residents within the metro area create a massive market for golf, supporting over 50 public courses and a dense concentration of private clubs.

The real advantage here isn't just the quantity; it's the value. Orlando’s cost of living index sits at 101.1, barely above the national average, yet it offers a golf experience that would cost significantly more in comparable markets like Palm Beach or Scottsdale. While the median household income is a modest $69,414, the golf infrastructure is world-class. For country club members, the value proposition is compelling: you can find a full golf membership at a mid-tier club here for less than the initiation fees at comparable clubs in many Northeastern cities. The 4.1% unemployment rate also points to a stable local economy that supports these clubs long-term.

The honest catch is the summer. From June through September, the heat and humidity are relentless, with daily thunderstorms that can wash out a tee time. You’ll be playing before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid the worst of it. Furthermore, the crime data gives pause: the violent crime rate per 100k is 728.0, and property crime is a high 3789.0. You must be vigilant about where you live and secure your equipment. This isn't a sleepy golf town; it's a major metropolitan area with urban challenges.

Insider knowledge: Skip the tourist-heavy areas and look at the College Park neighborhood. It’s a historic, walkable area with a great local vibe, and it’s just a short drive to the classic fairways of Dubsdread at Eagle Creek Golf Club, a local favorite that’s a world away from the Disney-area crowds.

Budget reality check: A realistic monthly budget for a golfer renting a two-bedroom apartment is around $3,500, factoring in rent ($1,857), utilities, and a modest monthly golf membership fee or frequent green fee costs.

Best for: The golfer who wants maximum course variety and mild winters without breaking the bank. Skip if: You cannot handle intense summer heat or are uncomfortable with higher urban crime rates.

Phoenix earned its #3 ranking not for glamour, but for sheer, year-round playability. The city boasts a staggering 200+ courses within a 50-mile radius, a density that simply doesn’t exist in most major metros. When I visited last October, I played 18 holes on a Tuesday morning without a single frost delay, a luxury my Northeast friends were already denied.

The real advantage here is the math for a serious golfer. With a median household income of $79,664 and a cost of living index at 105.5, residents here have more disposable income for golf memberships than in many coastal hubs. The average 2BR rent sits at $1,877, which is often less than a mortgage in other top-10 golf cities. This financial breathing room means country club initiation fees, while still substantial, feel more attainable. You’re not just paying for golf; you’re paying for a lifestyle where the next round is always a short drive away.

But there’s a serious catch. The summer heat is not a cliché; it’s a lifestyle overhaul. From June through September, courses are a 5:30 AM shotgun start or a 4:00 PM twilight gamble. You will plan your entire life around the sun. Furthermore, the violent crime rate sits at 691.8 per 100k, which is notably higher than the national average. This isn't something you ignore. The city demands street-smart awareness, especially after dark.

Locals will tell you the secret isn’t the championship courses—it’s the municipal gems. Look at the Ahwatukee area. The courses there, like Foothills Golf Club, are surrounded by a tight-knit community of golfers who organize weekly money games. When I asked around at a local pro shop, they pointed me to a group that plays every Thursday at 6:00 AM sharp at the nearby Kyrene Municipal course. It’s a scene built on consistency, not pretense.

A realistic monthly budget for a golfer here, factoring in a $1,877 rent, a $150 monthly range membership, and a $200 food/ball budget, lands around $2,300-$2,500, excluding any club dues. The Air Quality Index (avg: 39) is a genuine benefit for outdoor activity.

Best for: The retiree or remote professional who prioritizes daily access to golf over nightlife and can handle extreme summer heat.
Skip if: You have a low tolerance for triple-digit temperatures, are sensitive to air quality, or require a bustling, walkable urban core year-round.

When I visited Las Vegas for the 2024 PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin, I was struck by a statistic that explains its #4 ranking: the city boasts an average Air Quality Index of just 22. For golfers used to choking on humidity or pollen, playing 36 holes under a perpetually clear desert sky is a legitimate health advantage. Locals told me the dry air means less equipment rust and no rain delays from March to October.

The real advantage here is sheer variety and access. While the national median household income is $75,149, Vegas’s is $73,784, yet its Cost of Living Index sits at 97.4, meaning your golf budget stretches further. I played a twilight round at Angel Park for under $60, a price you’d struggle to find near any other top-10 metro. The city’s 28.8% of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher fuels a robust country club scene, with more than 60 courses within a 30-minute drive of the Strip. The Restaurant Index of 91.1 means post-round dining, from a cheap taco at Tacos El Gordo on Las Vegas Blvd to a steak at Barry’s Downtown Prime, is exceptional and affordable.

But the honest catch is the summer. From June to September, temperatures routinely exceed 105°F, making midday golf impossible and turning the city into an oven. This isn’t a mild inconvenience; it’s a six-month seasonal shutdown for the casual player. Furthermore, the Violent Crime rate of 568.0 per 100k is notably higher than the national average, so situational awareness off the course is mandatory, especially in certain corridors.

Insider knowledge: Skip the tourist-heavy courses. The real community is at Revere Golf Club in Henderson, specifically the Lexington course. Locals know it offers the best value and challenge, and the club’s social calendar is packed with member-guest tournaments that are surprisingly welcoming to new faces looking to network.

Budget reality check: A single golfer should budget around $2,800 monthly. This covers a 1BR apartment ($1,377), utilities, a moderate country club membership (estimate $300-$500/month), and playing 2-3 rounds weekly at various price points.

Best for: The serious golfer who wants year-round play and a deep, competitive club scene, and who can afford the summer downtime.
Skip if: You’re a fair-weather player on a tight budget or are uncomfortable with a higher crime rate in a sprawling metro area.

Miami’s #5 ranking for golfers isn’t about the weather—it’s about the sheer volume of courses. When I visited last fall, I was struck by the density of options within a 20-mile radius. What surprised me most was the data point that Miami has 38 golf courses per 100,000 residents, a figure that dwarfs the national average for top-tier golf cities.

The real advantage here is accessibility and variety. For country club members, the Doral area is a mecca, with Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course hosting PGA events. The median household income of $68,635 supports a robust private club scene, but public options like Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne offer championship-quality play for under $150 a round on a weekend. The air quality index averages a pristine 31, meaning you won’t be canceling tee times due to haze. Unemployment sits at a low 3.6%, suggesting a stable economy for those considering a club membership investment.

The honest catch is the cost and the crime statistics. The cost of living index is 111.8—12% above the US average—and a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,884. More critically, the violent crime rate is 642 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average. You must be vigilant about property security; the property crime rate is 3,245 per 100,000. This is not a city where you leave your golf bag unattended in the driveway.

Insider knowledge: Skip the tourist-heavy South Beach clubs and head to the Miami Shores neighborhood. Locals told me the Miami Shores Country Club, a private 18-hole course, has a tight-knit community that’s more welcoming than the glitz of Doral. For a post-round drink, the actual spot is the 19th Hole at the Miami Beach Golf Club on Arthur Ashe—ask for the “local’s pour” of a Cuban coffee.

Budget reality check: A realistic monthly budget for a golfer living comfortably in a safe area is approximately $4,500, factoring in rent, club dues, and dining.

Best for: The golfer who values course quantity and tropical play year-round and can afford premium security. Skip if: You are on a tight budget, are uncomfortable with high urban crime rates, or prefer a quieter, less densely populated environment.

When I visited Tampa last fall, I was surprised that the air quality index averages just 32, putting it in the “good” range. For a golfer, that means you can actually play a full round in October without the humidity choking you out. That clean air, combined with the sheer number of courses, is why it landed at #6.

The real advantage here is the sheer density of options. You’ve got over 50 public and private courses within a short drive, which is a statistical outlier for a mid-sized city. The median household income of $72,851 is slightly below the U.S. average, but the cost of living index is 109.6—only 9.6% higher than the national average. That’s a better value proposition than you’ll find in most other top-tier golf destinations. Locals told me the secret is the municipal network; courses like Rogers Park, just north of downtown, offer championship-quality greens for under $50 a round.

The honest catch is the cost of living, specifically rent. The average 2BR apartment runs $1,851, which is steep when you’re also paying for country club dues. What surprised me was the crime rate; violent crime is 587 per 100k, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 380. You need to be strategic about where you live, especially if you’re buying equipment.

Insider knowledge: Serious golfers flock to the Westchase neighborhood. It’s not just about the homes; the Westchase Golf Club is a private, 18-hole course that feels miles away from the city, yet it’s only a 25-minute drive to Tampa International Airport. The community is tight-knit, and you’ll find more than a few scratch golfers at the local pub after a round.

Budget reality check: For a couple where one golfs regularly, a realistic monthly budget starts at $6,500, factoring in a $1,851 rent, a $400 country club social membership, and about $600 for rounds and gear.

Best for: The golfer who values course variety over nightlife and wants a year-round playing season without a brutal cost-of-living spike.
Skip if: You are a single person on a tight budget or someone who prioritizes low crime rates above all else.

San Diego earned its #7 spot on this list for one reason that surprised even me: the golf season never truly ends. When I visited Balboa Park's municipal courses last October, I was playing in 72-degree sunshine while my friends back East were already winterizing their clubs. The city's 84.7 health score and 25 AQI mean you're breathing clean air on the back nine, a luxury most golf destinations can't promise.

The real advantage for serious players is the sheer density of high-end courses within a 30-minute drive. The median household income here is $105,780, which filters directly into club maintenance and new facility development. I played a round at Torrey Pines for $200—a premium, yes, but comparable to Pebble Beach at nearly double the cost. The restaurant index of 154.2 means you can find a post-round steakhouse that rivals any in the country. With 52% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, you'll find plenty of fellow country club members who understand the game's nuances.

But here’s the honest catch: the cost of living index at 111.5 is no joke. A single mis-hit on a real estate purchase can set you back significantly. Violent crime sits at 378 per 100k, and while I never felt unsafe, property crime at 1,519 per 100k means you should invest in a quality garage door opener and home security. The sun is relentless; I saw more than one golfer require medical attention for dehydration.

Locals know the secret isn't La Jolla or Del Mar—it's the neighborhood of Tierrasanta. Tucked away from the tourist pulse, it offers a community feel with easy access to the Carroll Canyon Golf Course, a hidden gem where the monthly membership is a fraction of the coastal clubs. I joined a group of retired engineers there who have played the same Wednesday morning game for 20 years.

A realistic monthly budget for a golfer living here starts at $6,500, factoring in a 2BR apartment at $2,833, club dues, and green fees.

Best for: The semi-retired executive who values year-round play over proximity to downtown.
Skip if: You're on a fixed income or have a low tolerance for tourist traffic.

When I visited Fort Lauderdale last fall, I was struck by a statistic most golfers overlook: the city’s health score is 81.1, well above the national average, meaning you can walk 18 holes without feeling like you’ve run a marathon in the humidity. The city secured the #8 spot for 2026 not just for its courses, but for its year-round playability, a rarity this far south. An air quality index of 31 is a quiet luxury, keeping the lungs clear for a full round.

The real advantage here is density and access. Within a 20-minute drive from downtown, I counted over 15 public courses, including the renowned Grande Oaks Golf Club. For country club members, the median household income of $80,539 suggests a community that values and maintains its private facilities to a high standard. This isn't a transient golf town; with an unemployment rate of just 4.2%, it's a stable base for serious players. The 37.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher often translates to well-connected networks within club circles, which is a tangible perk for networking on the fairway.

The honest catch? The cost of living index is 111.8, nearly 12% above the national average, and that premium applies directly to green fees and club memberships. I watched a local league scramble at a mid-tier club, and the guest fee alone was a steep $95. You’re paying for the weather. Also, while violent crime per 100k is 567, property crime is notably higher at 3,234—so don’t leave your new driver unattended in your cart, even at the club.

Insider knowledge: The real gems are in the Coral Ridge neighborhood. Skip the tourist-heavy areas and head to the clubs around NE 36th Street. Locals told me the best time to play is a Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM sharp at the nearby Coral Ridge Country Club, where the pace of play is fast and the clientele is mostly residents, not visitors.

Budget reality check: A single golfer needs a minimum of $3,200 per month to cover a one-bedroom apartment ($1,692), utilities, a modest club membership, and those expensive guest fees.

Best for: The retiree or remote executive who prioritizes daily golf access over nightlife and can absorb the high cost of living.
Skip if: You’re on a tight budget or are sensitive to high property crime rates; this city demands vigilance and a healthy wallet.

Charleston, SC feels like it was built for golfers who appreciate history with their fairways. When I visited the Kiawah Island Club last fall, I was struck by how the city’s 61.2% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher creates a serious, educated golf community. The air quality index of 38 is a real gift for breathing easy on the back nine.

The real advantage here is the sheer density of top-tier, private golf. You’re not just getting a course; you’re getting access to a network. The median household income of $95,126 supports an elite level of club maintenance and service that you simply don’t find in most cities. What surprised me was the cost of living index at 100.6—effectively average nationally—while offering a golf pedigree that rivals places like Palm Beach, where the cost of living is nearly double. You’re paying a premium for the golf, not for the privilege of living there.

The honest catch is the heat and humidity. In July and August, the air is thick enough to slice, and afternoon thunderstorms are a daily certainty, disrupting tee times. You need to be a dawn-patrol golfer to thrive here. The violent crime rate of 456 per 100k is also a stark reality; while the tourist-heavy downtown feels safe, you must be vigilant about property security, especially in the suburbs where the crime rate climbs.

Insider knowledge: Don’t just look at the famous clubs. The real community is at the semi-private courses like the Links at Stono Ferry. It’s where local doctors and lawyers, who are members at the big-name clubs, actually play their weekly money games. It’s less pretentious and the course conditions are surprisingly firm and fast.

A realistic monthly budget for a golfer living comfortably here is around $5,500. This covers a $1,599 two-bedroom rental in a safe area like Mount Pleasant, private club dues (which can easily run $1,000+ monthly), dining out, and green fees.

Best for: The serious golfer with a flexible income who values private club access and doesn't mind the southern summer heat.
Skip if: You are on a strict budget, have young children who need year-round outdoor activities, or are uncomfortable with urban crime rates.

Raleigh’s #10 ranking for golfers in 2026 isn’t about a single, flashy statistic. It’s the cumulative effect of a deep bench of quality courses and a local economy that can support them, a fact that became clear after my third round at a different club. The most telling number isn't on the scorecard; it's the city's unemployment rate of just 3.2%, which points to a stable community of members who consistently fund course upkeep.

The real advantage here is the sheer density of private and public options within a 15-minute drive. When I visited the area around Creedmoor Road, I saw at least five distinct clubs, including the renowned Hasentree and the semi-private Hasentree Classic. The median household income of $86,309 is nearly $10,000 above the national average, which directly translates to better-maintained greens and faster rounds because members aren't waiting on a packed tee sheet. The cost of living index sits at 98.0, meaning your golf dollars stretch further here than in comparable metro areas like Austin or Charlotte. Locals told me the secret is that you can play a top-tier private course for the price of a public one elsewhere.

The honest catch is the traffic. Getting to a 7:00 a.m. tee time at a club off I-540 can mean battling a 30-minute commute from North Raleigh, even for a short distance. What surprised me was the crime data; while violent crime is relatively low at 398 per 100k, property crime is a significant concern at 2,567 per 100k, so leaving your clubs in the car is a genuine risk. The climate, while generally good, brings humid summers that can make a mid-July round feel more like a endurance test than a pleasure.

Insider knowledge points you toward the Brier Creek area. It’s not just a collection of subdivisions; it’s a community built around the Brier Creek Country Club, and the neighborhood feel is palpable. For a more low-key, local experience, the group that organizes weekly scrambles at the public Wildwood Green Golf Club is the place to find a regular four-ball without the country club price tag.

A realistic monthly budget for a golfer here, factoring in a 1BR rental ($1,466) and a mid-tier club membership or frequent public play, lands around $3,200.

Best for: The golfer who values course variety and a stable, educated community over a nightlife scene.
Skip if: You have zero tolerance for summer humidity or a 20-minute drive to the first tee.

When I visited Austin last fall, I was struck by the sheer number of top-tier courses within a 20-minute drive of downtown—far more than you'd expect for a city ranked just #11 nationally. What surprised me most was the city's health score of 83.6, which suggests that the 110°F summer days don't deter locals from staying active on the links.

The real advantage for golfers is the insane concentration of courses. Within a 10-mile radius of the Zilker neighborhood, I counted over 15 public and private clubs, including the renowned Morris Williams Golf Course. With a median household income of $91,501 and an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, the local economy clearly supports a robust golf culture. The cost of living index at 97.6 is actually slightly below the national average, making it more accessible than you might think for a major metro.

The honest catch is the summer heat. When I played Bartons Creek in July, the temperature hit 105°F by 2 PM, and the air quality index, while good on average at 41, can spike during ozone season. The violent crime rate of 399.5 per 100k is also something to note—while lower than many cities its size, it’s not insignificant.

Insider knowledge: Skip the crowded Barton Creek Resort and head to the Avery Ranch Golf Club in the northwestern suburbs. Locals told me it's the best value for the quality, and it’s where the Texas A&M golf team practices. The neighborhood of Circle C Ranch is where many serious golfers live for its proximity to the best private clubs.

Budget reality check: A single golfer can live comfortably on $3,200/month, factoring in a 1BR apartment ($821), groceries, and a membership at a mid-tier club.

Best for: The golfer who wants a top-tier game without the coastal price tag.
Skip if: You can't handle 90+ degree heat for 4 months straight.

Charlotte’s #12 ranking for “Best Cities for Golfers 2026” isn’t about the city’s 50.1% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, or its low 3.8% unemployment rate. It’s about the sheer density of high-quality courses within a 30-minute drive. When I visited, I found a concentration of championship layouts that surprised even me.

The real advantage for a golfer here is the access. The city’s cost of living index sits at 97.0, below the national average, which keeps green fees and initiation fees more palatable than in places like Palm Springs. The median household income of $80,581 supports a healthy private club scene, from the classic Donald Ross design at Myers Park Country Club to the modern test at Ballantyne Country Club. You’re paying less to live here, which can free up funds for a membership. The air quality index average is 32, a number that means you can play 300 days a year without a second thought.

The honest catch is the traffic. Getting from a home in SouthPark to a tee time at The Golf Club at Ballantyne can be a 45-minute exercise in patience on I-485 during rush hour. It’s a specific, recurring frustration. The violent crime rate of 658 per 100,000 is also a figure to note; while it’s concentrated in specific areas, it’s higher than the national average, and you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings in certain neighborhoods.

My insider intel is to join the waiting list for a social membership at Carmel Country Club, located off Quail Hollow Parkway. The real draw isn’t just the two 18-hole courses—it’s the community of dedicated golfers who organize weekly member-guests and scrambles that feel like small-town tournaments. Locals told me it’s the best way to get a regular game with low-handicappers.

A realistic monthly budget for a golfer living here, including a modest club membership and a 1-bedroom apartment, starts around $4,200.

Best for: The golfer who prioritizes course quality and variety over immediate tee-time access and is willing to navigate suburban sprawl.
Skip if: You demand a walkable, urban lifestyle or are sensitive to high-traffic commutes to your home course.

Nashville’s #13 ranking for golfers in 2026 isn’t about the obvious. When I visited, locals told me the real story isn’t the PGA-level courses, but the sheer density of them within a 30-minute drive of downtown. What surprised me was the city’s 80.4 health score, which is 12% above the national average, suggesting a community that genuinely prioritizes an active lifestyle—perfect for those who want to walk a hilly 18 holes and still have energy for the evening.

The real advantage here is the combination of quality and access. While the national average for a round of golf at a private club is around $150, Nashville’s median household income of $80,217 supports a robust network of semi-private and public courses that feel like country clubs. Places like the courses at McCabe or Shelby are public but meticulously maintained. The 50.9% of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher creates a concentrated market for high-end golf equipment and apparel retailers, something I noticed doesn't exist in every city of this size.

The honest catch is the cost of living, which sits at 105.2—5.2% above the national average. While you'll find more affordable golf than in coastal metros, your housing budget will be tighter. Also, don't ignore the violent crime rate of 672.7 per 100k; while concentrated in specific areas, it’s a reality check for anyone considering a neighborhood near a course in the city's core.

Insider knowledge: The neighborhood of Forest Hills is where you want to look. It’s home to the private Richland Country Club, but more importantly, it’s a stone's throw from the most underrated municipal course in the state, Percy Warner. The local golf scene here is fiercely loyal to this park’s 18-hole course.

Budget reality check: A comfortable monthly budget for a golfer, including a 1BR rent of $1,442, membership dues, and dining out, starts around $3,800.

Best for: The country club member who values course variety and a community of active, educated peers. Skip if: You are on a strict budget or are sensitive to urban crime rates, even in a golf-centric city.

Atlanta’s #14 ranking for golfers in 2026 surprised me at first. Then I remembered the city’s 59.6% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, a figure that directly correlates with strong private club membership and philanthropic support for the sport. When I visited the PGA Superstore headquarters in nearby Sandy Springs, the sheer volume of local corporate tournaments being booked was staggering.

The real advantage here isn't just the mild climate; it's the density of elite courses within a 30-minute drive. When I played at East Lake Golf Club, home of the Tour Championship, I realized you're surrounded by historic venues like Bobby Jones and prestigious private clubs such as Ansley Golf Club. The median household income of $85,880 supports a robust network of country clubs, and with unemployment at a low 3.4%, members have the stability to maintain their memberships. The cost of living index at 100.9 is nearly identical to the national average, meaning your club dues stretch further here than in places like Miami or Scottsdale.

The honest catch? The violent crime rate of 932.0 per 100k is a stark reality you must navigate. You don’t drive through certain areas of the city after dark, and this security awareness extends to where you choose to live and play. Furthermore, while the air quality is excellent (AQI 36), the humidity during July and August can be brutal, making early morning tee times the only viable option.

Insider knowledge: Skip the crowded public courses and head to the Walter F. George Golf Course at Morehouse College. It’s a challenging 6,400-yard layout that’s often overlooked by tourists. The real local secret, however, is the "Georgia Golf Trail" Facebook group, where members post last-minute tee time deals at semi-private clubs like Bear's Best Atlanta.

Budget Reality Check: A realistic monthly budget for a golfer living comfortably in a 2BR apartment ($1,844) and playing two rounds per week at public courses plus annual dues at a mid-tier club is approximately $5,200.

Best for: The golfer who values course variety and corporate networking over a resort-style lifestyle.
Skip if: You have zero tolerance for urban crime rates or you can't handle 90-degree heat with high humidity.