Pickleball Hot Zones:Top Cities and States Fueling the Craze
- Matthew Schwartz
- Sep 3
- 9 min read
Here are the top cities and states for pickleball, ranked by number of facilities and courts. The lists, from the latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, include dedicated public indoor and outdoor courts and other public and private courts. We’ve also listed 10 of the most scenic places to play (we know there are many more!) as well as the five largest facilities in the country based on the number of courts. Did your city or state make the cut?
People love lists because they’re a triple win: brain-friendly, time-efficient, and socially shareable. Pickleball players are no different. We search for courts with the shortest wait times and love cities with multiple courts and indoor and outdoor options. Dedicated players who are relocating identify nearby courts as a must-have. Players planning vacations search only for resorts with courts, and if those courts are in a scenic setting, that’s even better.
Pickleball Magazine is here to help by providing lists of some of the best cities and states for pickleball players, and some of the prettiest places to play. (Certainly not all the best cities, states or scenic venues!)
Pickleheads is the industry’s most comprehensive database of pickleball courts. In August, it reported 68,458 dedicated and temporary indoor and outdoor courts in the country.
The numbers are changing rapidly. No matter—all the cities have one thing in common: They are welcome places for pickleball players.
Top 10 Cities
The exact number of pickleball facilities is fluid, frequently increasing due to the sport’s rapid growth. Numerous databases list approximately 16,700 pickleball facilities in the U.S. These facilities include private or public clubs, community centers, and parks. It’s safe to say that visitors to any of these cities won’t have difficulty finding a place to play.
Surprisingly, no cities in Arizona and Florida—two states that are hotspots for pickleball—made the top 10. Phoenix is #18 and Tampa is #28. For the Top 50 Cities, click here.
1. Houston: 59 facilities
Houston has a very high number of courts and locations. While it may not top the list for courts per capita due to its large population, the sheer quantity of places to play makes it a significant pickleball city.
2. New York City: 58 facilities
Despite its urban density, New York City is a major hub for pickleball. It boasts a high number of facilities and courts, including many that are free to play on, which increases public access. The city’s resourceful players often set up portable nets in parks and other public spaces.
3. Austin: 52 facilities
Austin is often cited as a “pickleball heaven” with a thriving community. The city has a strong and growing pickleball scene with numerous facilities, including popular spots like Chicken N Pickle, which combines the sport with dining and a social atmosphere.
4. Seattle: 50 facilities
In 1965, pickleball was invented a short ferry ride from Seattle on Bainbridge Island, which gives the sport a special place in the region and contributes to its widespread popularity. Demand for courts is high, and the city and Seattle Metro Pickleball Association are actively working to add more courts, such as the 25-court facility at Magnuson Park that is in development and projected to be complete next year.
5. San Diego: 47 facilities
San Diego is a major pickleball hotspot for a combination of factors—primarily its ideal climate, abundance of facilities, and a thriving pickleball community. The city has invested significantly in creating dedicated pickleball facilities, both public and private, including clubs, recreation centers and parks, and indoor options.
6. Chicago: 45 facilities
Chicago’s climate makes year-round outdoor sports challenging, but the rise of indoor facilities is a main driver of pickleball’s popularity. In addition, the Chicago Park District is planning to have more than 100 pickleball courts by the end of the year as part of its “Pickleball Mania” initiative to expand the sport’s availability across the city.
7. Cincinnati: 44 facilities
This has become a regular stop on the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Tour circuit, a testament to its growing importance in the pickleball world. Cincinnati is now a top city for pickleball, attracting professional athletes and fans from across the region.
8. Atlanta: 43 facilities
Atlanta is a frequent stop for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. This brings the world’s best players to the city, creating excitement and drawing large crowds. It is home to more than 200 courts across nearly 50 different locations, with new facilities constantly being added. Atlanta also has seen a rise in large state-of-the-art indoor complexes.
9. Denver: 42 facilities
Denver is at the center of Colorado’s pickleball boom. With a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, and more than 100 courts spread across city recreation centers, players have year-round access to the game. The city also plans to convert 15 temporary outdoor courts into permanent ones, aiming for a total of 50 outdoor courts by the end of the year.
10. Charlotte: 41 facilities
This city’s overall popularity as a desirable place to live contributes to the sport’s success. Charlotte boasts many courts, with more than 200 available, and is home to several dedicated pickleball facilities and new pickleball-focused businesses and complexes.
Top 10 States
Florida jumped past California to claim both the highest number of facilities and courts of any state. Ohio also showed some more love to pickleballers last year, moving from No. 8 in 2023 to No. 5 in 2024, growing total facilities 42 percent year over year. Here are the country’s Top 10 states ranked by number of facilities and dedicated courts. For the Top 53 States, click here.
1. Florida: 1,156 facilities and 5,667 total courts
Often called the “Pickleball Capital of the World,” Florida leads the nation in court locations. The state’s warm climate allows for year-round outdoor play, and its large retirement and active adult communities have been key drivers of the sport’s growth. Cities like Naples, which hosts the US Open Pickleball Championships, are major hubs.
2. California: 1,153 facilities and 5,475 courts
The Golden State is a close second to Florida. California has a robust pickleball scene with a high number of courts and facilities, particularly in metropolitan areas and throughout the state’s diverse landscape. Its pleasant climate in many regions also supports a strong outdoor playing culture.
3. Texas: 854 facilities and 3,584 courts
“Everything’s bigger in Texas,” including the pickleball scene. The state has a rapidly growing number of courts, with major cities like Houston and Austin becoming hotspots for the sport. The mild winters allow for a long outdoor season and are a key reason for the investment in dedicated pickleball facilities. For example, Austin, Dallas and Houston have seen significant investment in pickleball infrastructure, including the opening of large, dedicated indoor facilities, as well as the hosting of major tournaments like the PPA Tour’s Pickleball World Championships.
4. New York: 643 facilities and 2,408 courts
While New York City is a major player, the entire state has a significant number of pickleball courts. New York’s position on this list is particularly impressive given its colder climate, which necessitates a strong need for indoor facilities. This makes it a great state for year-round play.
5. Ohio: 581 facilities and 2,571 courts
Ohio’s high ranking also demonstrates the sport’s growing popularity outside of the traditional warm-weather states. The Buckeye State has many pickleball locations, and communities are actively building new courts and converting existing facilities to meet the rising demand.
6. Illinois: 576 facilities and 2,262 courts
This state’s population is a key driving force. The Chicago metropolitan area has a significant number of players, and the demand for courts has led to the conversion of existing facilities and construction of new ones.
7. North Carolina: 547 facilities and 2,145 courts
North Carolina has become a popular destination for retirees, especially in the western mountains and the coastal regions. Pickleball facilities are a must-have in planned communities and retirement villages to attract residents. In addition, cities like Raleigh and Charlotte are experiencing rapid population growth, which has created a need for recreational pickleball courts.
8. Michigan: 505 facilities and 2,130 courts
Michigan has a strong culture of outdoor activity, especially during the warmer months. This makes pickleball a natural fit for many communities. The sport has gained traction through grassroots efforts, with local park and recreation departments recognizing its popularity and investing in new courts.
9. Pennsylvania: 496 facilities and 1,979 courts
Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state, with many residents looking for recreational opportunities. Pickleball has grown in both urban and suburban areas of the state, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller towns, which illustrates the sport’s broad appeal.
10. Virginia: 458 facilities and 1,718 courts
Northern Virginia is part of the greater Washington, D.C., metro area, which has a dense population that contributes to high demand for recreational facilities. As new residential developments and communities are built, they often include pickleball courts as a standard amenity, fueling the sport’s expansion.
10 Scenic Places To Play
From breathtaking mountain ranges to sun-drenched coastlines, here are 10 scenic spots for pickleball play.
Santa Barbara, California
Known for its beautiful beaches and ideal weather, Santa Barbara offers a great pickleball experience with dedicated facilities in scenic outdoor settings.
St. George, Utah
Nestled in the state’s stunning red rock country, St. George is a gem for pickleball players. The public courts at Springdale Community Park, located just outside of Zion National Park, offer a truly surreal backdrop of towering red cliffs.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is world-famous for its towering red rock formations, mesas and buttes. The courts are surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and sunset lighting on the red rocks is especially striking. The mild, dry climate, especially in fall, spring and early winter, is also ideal for outdoor pickleball.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Ted Scheske Park, known for its high-elevation courts and incredibly beautiful views, is considered one of the most scenic courts in the country.
Boca Raton, Florida
Boca Raton offers an array of premier venues and top-tier facilities. Many courts are located within scenic parks, such as Patch Reef Park, and some offer breathtaking ocean views.
Honolulu, Hawaii
This capital and largest city in Hawaii offers a unique backdrop of perfect weather and a resort atmosphere for pickleball enthusiasts.
New York City, New York
While not traditionally associated with abundant green space, some courts—like those at Pier 2 in Brooklyn—offer scenic views of the city skyline, including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Playing pickleball in Central Park offers an iconic experience, combining the serenity of a green space with the unforgettable backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
This island on the Atlantic coast is a well-known vacation destination that has embraced pickleball. With a range of public and private courts, you can enjoy the sport while surrounded by natural beauty and coastal charm.
Bend, Oregon
Set against picturesque landscapes and offering abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Bend is gaining recognition for its vibrant pickleball community and public courts like those at Pine Nursery Park.
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert landscape of Arizona provides a serene backdrop for pickleball. Upscale resorts in this area have embraced the sport, offering beautiful courts amid the iconic scenery. •
Matthew Schwartz spent 40 years in television news and won more than 200 awards, including four Emmys and four Edward R. Murrow awards for investigative reporting. His 2020 memoir, “Confessions of an Investigative Reporter,” was an Amazon #1 bestseller. He writes a weekly blog for Hudef Sport and plays pickleball every day.
These cities have the most dedicated pickleball courts per capita with populations of less than 100,000
Rank | City, State | Pop. (Proper) | Dedicated Courts | Dedicated Courts per 10,000 | Total Courts per 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Naples, FL | 19,766 | 193 | 97.64 | 115.35 |
2 | Lady Lake, FL | 16,020 | 86 | 53.68 | 53.68 |
3 | Sebring, FL | 11,379 | 50 | 43.94 | 43.94 |
4 | Rancho Mirage, CA | 16,906 | 74 | 43.77 | 43.77 |
5 | Palm Desert, CA | 50,363 | 213 | 42.29 | 42.69 |
These cities have the most dedicated pickleball courts per capita with populations of more than 100,000
Rank | City, State | Pop | Dedicated Courts | Dedicated Courts per 10,000 | Total Courts per 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bend, OR | 103,421 | 68 | 6.58 | 8.12 |
2 | Goodyear, AZ | 105,406 | 64 | 6.07 | 6.45 |
3 | Surprise, AZ | 154,198 | 80 | 5.19 | 5.90 |
4 | Port St. Lucie, FL | 231,790 | 118 | 5.09 | 5.35 |
5 | Roseville, CA | 154,510 | 73 | 4.72 | 5.11 |
Top 5 Largest Facilities in the U.S. by Total Number of Courts
Rank | Court | Location | Indoor Courts | Outdoor Courts | Total Courts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Naples Community Park | Naples, FL | 0 | 65 | 65 |
2 | Riverland Sports & Racquet Club | Port St. Lucie, FL | 0 | 53 | 53 |
3 | Pictona at Holly Hill | Holly Hill, FL | 0 | 49 | 49 |
4 | Oasis Pickleball Club | Rockwall, TX | 8 | 42 | 50 |
5 | The Fort | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 0 | 43 | 43 |