No. 2. Columbus, Ohio
Population: 1,728,896
Median home price: $141,600
Number of public courses: 66
Median green fee: $34

THE GOLF: No, that's not a misprint: Humble Columbus snags the No. 2 slot, and not because Jack Nicklaus was born and raised there and co-designed Muirfield Village. Ohio's capital city ranks so high because it has the heavy hitters of design: Tom Weiskopf, Donald Ross, Arthur Hills and more. While the Weiskopf-Jay Morrish creation Double Eagle is private (it ranks No. 79 on our list of the Top 100 Courses in America), Cooks Creek and EagleSticks are two superb courses you can play. And Donald Ross's Granville Golf Club may be the best course in the country for less than $40.

THE REST: The home prices are a pittance, and the cityscape appeals to young and old, with a hopping college climate, gorgeous old Victorian neighborhoods and San Margherita, an Italian outpost known for its Old World vineyards in the backyards of homes.

The 16th green at Longaberger Golf Club, No. 47 on Golf Magazine's Top 100 You Can Play.