No. 4. Dallas, Texas
Population: 5,950,033
Median home price: $145,500
Number of public courses: 107
Median green fee: $38

THE GOLF: Dallas is a giant for rich golf history and value play. You could explore the Ben Hogan trophy room at Fort Worth's Colonial Country Club, then check out Lord Byron's memorabilia after your round at the Four Seasons/TPC Las Colinas. Your lore tour can continue for $16, what residents pay at Tenison Park, Lee Trevino's stomping (and hustling) grounds back in the '60s.

THE REST: There's barbecue, the 'Boys, plenty of golfable winter days — and some great runways in addition to the fairways. Says our favorite Big D resident David Feherty: "Dallas has all the sophistication of a big city and none of the attitude. And if you lose a lot of money betting college football and have to flee, it has the best airport in the country."

Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine is the world's first NFL-themed golf course, a fitting tribute to football-crazed Big D.

Credit: Mike Klemme/Golffoto