Pickleball has quickly captured the hearts of people of all ages, creating a buzzing community of players eager to show off their skills. As the popularity of the sport continues to soar, Shane Co. wanted to know which states have truly embraced the pickleball phenomenon.
Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking new courts to conquer or a couple looking to spice up your date night with a lively game, we’ve got you covered. Join us on a journey through the best pickleball destinations, where the love for the sport thrives and unforgettable experiences await!
The Best States for Pickleball
After crunching the numbers, it comes as no surprise which state dominates the pickleball community. The sunny state of Florida takes the crown as the ultimate pickleball destination, with its abundance of top-notch courts, vibrant pickleball communities, and year-round sunny weather that beckons players to enjoy this thrilling sport. Florida has the most courts (a whopping 1,191) and the most clubs (26) of any U.S. state.
Coming in as a close second, Arizona boasts a thriving pickleball scene, offering players a wide range of well-maintained courts, competitive tournaments, and a warm climate that entices enthusiasts to enjoy the sport to the fullest.
Utah ranks as the third overall state for pickleball aficionados. Utah has an impressive 14.8 courts per 100,000 residents — meaning if you’re looking for somewhere to play without facing daunting crowds, you may be in luck.
Northern pickleball lovers, never fear! While the South may reign supreme in our rankings, the top half of the nation still has plenty of solid venues and opportunities. Washington ranks as the #4 best state for pickleball, closely followed by neighboring state Oregon (#6).
If you’re looking to level up your game, consider joining a local pickleball club. In a club setting, you may gain access to reserved court time, coaching sessions, and valuable resources to enhance your gameplay. Additionally, clubs often offer organized leagues, tournaments, and social events, providing opportunities for friendly competition and skill development. California is home to 22 pickleball clubs, falling just behind Florida.
South Dakota falls behind as the least favorable state for pickleball enthusiasts, with limited court availability and a smaller pickleball community compared to other states, making it less optimal for enjoying the sport to its fullest. Despite having just three facilities and zero clubs, residents in South Dakota can find encouragement in the versatility and adaptability of the sport. Pickleball can be enjoyed in indoor and outdoor locations such as community centers, sports facilities, parks, driveways, and even converted tennis courts.
Closing Thoughts
No matter where your state ranks, the love for pickleball is thriving across the United States. Whether it’s the year-round sunshine and abundant courts of Florida, the vibrant pickleball communities of Arizona, or the inclusive and rapidly growing scene in Utah, these states offer unparalleled opportunities for players to enjoy the sport, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and elevate their gameplay.
The joy and excitement of pickleball can be experienced in various settings, creating memorable moments and fostering a sense of community among players nationwide. Here at Shane Co., we’re all for finding unique settings for couples to bond, have fun, and strengthen their relationship through shared passions — and pickleball might do just that for your relationship. So grab a paddle, find a court, and let your pickleball love story begin!
Methodology
In order to identify the best states for pickleball, we analyzed a variety of data points as reported by Pickleball Insights. The following were taken into consideration:
- # of Facilities
- # of Facilities per 100k
- # of Courts
- # of Courts per 100k
- Avg # of Courts per Facility
- # of Club Facilities
- # of Private Facilities
- # of Public Facilities
- # of School Facilities
- % of Facilities That are Public
We assigned states with a score of 0 to 5 for each factor, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable conditions for pickleball lovers. We determined each state’s total score from the total of its individual factor scores, which were weighted equally. Individual factor scores were then added together to give each state a final score from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate which states are better for pickleball players.
