Pinehurst, NC, United States

With a population of just over 17,500, Pinehurst may seem like a quaint, idyllic golf town, but the reality is a bit more complex. The village's deep ties to the prestigious Pinehurst Resort have led to persistent tensions, as local businesses have long battled the resort over the use of the "Pinehurst" name. And while the median household income tops $92,000, a not-insignificant 2.2% of families live below the poverty line.

Still, Pinehurst's reputation as the "Home of American Golf" is well-earned, with the resort hosting multiple U.S. Open championships and the newly-opened Golf House Pinehurst now home to the World Golf Hall of Fame. The surrounding area is also known for its strong equestrian community and fox hunting. For those with a passion for the links and deep pockets to match, Pinehurst could be an ideal destination.