Well, this is going to be a pretty bias post as I am a Junior in Fayetteville, but I hope that it still helps. I also have no knowledge of Athens.
I love Fayetteville and from the criteria that you listed, I think that you would as well. There are many craftsman houses that I have seen, and I am, in fact, living in one this year with a few of my friends.
For the outdoors, the city is ever expanding its trail system that has about 19 miles so far. Over 100 are planned. The scenery is amazing, and for someone that loves the outdoors, there is nary a better place. Arkansas is called the Natural State for a reason and there is ample amount of camping within a reasonable drive.
As for golf, I am really not that keen on info. I do know that my golfing friends consider it to be rather good in town, and if not in town, Rogers and Bella Vista are going to have better than decent courses.
As for being a progressive city, during the election it went Obama, and has passed a memorandum stating that Marijuana citations are to be considered the lowest priority by the police.
Finally, as a HUGE Razorback fan, and a HUGE fan of college basketball in general (I look forward to March Madness more than Christmas/Spring Break), you will find few college arenas nicer than Bud Walton, and few fans with as high a basketball IQ as those that attend. After our upset of Texass, I walked out unable to hear and sweating profusely from having spent the last 2 hours jumping up and down in the crowded student section.
Wow, that was one great night.
Anyway, all that to say, you should definitely come and check out Fayetteville.
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