No. 9. Portland, Ore.
Population: 2,125,611
Median home price: $289,900
Number of public courses: 48.5
Median green fee: $44

THE GOLF: Imagine the weather and wonder of the highlands, without that pesky peer pressure to wear kilts. Portland's Scotland-like weather is gorgeous, green, and you can play all year long. Our favorite track is Stone Creek Golf Club; with its Mt. Hood vistas and $35 weekend greens fees, it's a value version of the semi-private Pumpkin Ridge.

THE REST: Mountains, coast, desert, scenic wonders like the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. St. Helens — Portland is a nature lover's paradise. Throw in the friendly locals, a crackling downtown scene and microbreweries, and you've got a town you'll want to set up golf camp in.

• Perfect Day of Golf in Portland

The Ghost Creek course at Pumpkin Ridge GC (18th hole, left) is a tough test in a gorgeous setting.

Credit: Rob Perry