by Robert Borges on July 10, 2025
Looking for the best cities for golf? Whether you're a scratch golfer, a weekend warrior, or just love the country club lifestyle, there’s no shortage of dreamy destinations across the U.S. that combine top-tier golf with outstanding real estate options, community amenities, and gorgeous surroundings.
For nearly 30 years, Private Communities Registry (PCR) has helped golf-loving homebuyers find their perfect community. We showcase hundreds of golf communities where you can search by region, home price, amenities, and even request information directly from community representatives.
Below, we spotlight the best cities to live for golf—whether you’re retiring, relocating, or just dreaming of more fairways in your life.
What Makes a City Great for Golf Lovers?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s break down the key features that make a city ideal for golf enthusiasts:
- Mild Year-Round Climate: Cities with minimal rain and comfortable temps support year-round play.
- Course Variety: A mix of public, private, and semi-private courses offers variety and accessibility.
- Championship-Level Design: Courses designed by pros like Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, or Robert Trent Jones signal top-tier play.
- Golf Community Living: Master-planned neighborhoods with private clubs, on-site courses, and social amenities enhance the experience.
- Other Lifestyle Perks: Proximity to beaches, dining, healthcare, and other outdoor recreation adds long-term value.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Why it’s one of the best golf towns in the U.S.
Hilton Head Island is a coastal golf haven that boasts 24 championship golf courses—some of which are designed by legends like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. The island is a perennial pick for golf magazines and tour players alike, offering lush Lowcountry landscapes, ocean breezes, and luxury beachfront communities.
Beyond golf, Hilton Head is also known for its biking trails, seafood restaurants, wildlife preserves, and easy access to nearby Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. Golf communities here, such as Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes, offer everything from marina access to beachfront homes—ideal for those seeking both outdoor recreation and beachfront retirement communities.
Palm Springs, California
A desert paradise for golf and luxury living
Palm Springs has long been a magnet for golfers, celebrities, and snowbirds—thanks to its perfect winter weather and abundant sunshine. With over 100 golf courses in the surrounding Coachella Valley, it’s not just one of the best places to live for golf—it’s a lifestyle.
One standout is Miralon, a reimagined master-planned community that transformed a former golf course into a luxury “agrihood.” Here, walking trails, citrus groves, and sleek modern homes blend with views of the San Jacinto Mountains and easy access to nearby championship courses like Escena, Desert Willow, and PGA West. Residents enjoy a fresh, wellness-focused lifestyle paired with Palm Springs' renowned shopping, art, and dining scenes.
The area is also home to the annual PGA Desert Classic, affirming its place in pro golf history.
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Championship golf and vibrant living on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Located between Tampa and Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is the second-best selling master-planned community in the U.S.—and a rising star among the best golf cities in Florida.
Here you’ll find three premier golf courses with 54 holes of play designed for all skill levels, including the private Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club and Esplanade Golf & Country Club. Add to that resort-style pools, tennis, fitness centers, and access to the beaches of the Gulf Coast, and you have an incredible lifestyle for families, retirees, and active adults alike.
It’s also a top pick for those seeking affordable golf communities in Florida, offering diverse home options and a strong sense of community.
Naples, Florida
The Golf Capital of the World
When it comes to best cities to live for golf, Naples stands at the pinnacle. With the second most golf holes per capita in the U.S., it lives up to its title as the “Golf Capital of the World.”
Golfers are spoiled for choice here, with over 90 golf courses—including exclusive communities like Grey Oaks, Talis Park, and Quail West—each offering resort-caliber amenities and elite country club living.
Besides golf, Naples boasts pristine beaches, high-end shopping at Fifth Avenue South, fine dining, and nature preserves like the Everglades. It’s not only a paradise for golf lovers, but also one of the top retirement towns in Florida, making it perfect for both permanent residents and snowbirds.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Desert golf at its finest with over 200 courses
Scottsdale offers one of the most dramatic backdrops in the golf world—the red rock and cactus-dotted landscape of the High Sonoran Desert. With nearly 200 golf courses and a dry, sunny climate, it's one of the best cities for year-round golf.
Among its top communities is Desert Mountain, an ultra-luxury private club with six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses. The area is a mecca for tournament play, too—hosting events like the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
Beyond the game, Scottsdale delivers a high quality of life with luxury shopping, hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, arts festivals, and fine dining. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for luxury and sunshine alongside top-tier play.
Find the Best Golf Community for Your Lifestyle
At PCR, we specialize in matching homebuyers with their ideal golf lifestyle. Our curated listings make it easy to browse the best golf communities in the U.S.
Explore by:
- Location & region
- Home prices
- Golf course access
- Community amenities (clubhouse, fitness, pickleball, etc.)
- Lifestyle (retirement, active adult, family-friendly)
And with nearly 30 years of trusted expertise, PCR is your go-to resource for making a move that keeps your favorite game front and center. Start your search today and let the fairways guide you home!
About the Author
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned content creator, Robert Borges is the senior writer for Private Communities Registry (PCR), specializing in real estate trends and master-planned communities. He works closely with builders, developers, and real estate pros to create helpful content that guides homebuyers in finding the perfect community, ensuring they have the information needed to make confident, informed decisions.
