As pickleball continues to sweep the nation as the fastest-growing sport, enthusiasts are on the lookout for cities that not only embrace the game but also provide vibrant communities and top-notch facilities.
Here, we have a list of the top 25 cities for pickleball lovers. They are arranged in descending order, starting with the 25th-ranked city and leading up to the top-ranked city. This ranking, provided by Lawn Love’s evaluations, is based on an overall score that includes factors such as access to courts and tournaments, local interest in the sport, and the size of the pickleball community in the area.
The scores reflected in this list were meticulously calculated by evaluating U.S. cities across three key categories: Access, Community, and Popularity. Each category contained specific factors, weighted according to their importance. Data for these factors were gathered for the 200 largest U.S. cities.
Scores out of 100 points were assigned to each city based on these factors, determining their rankings in each category and overall. The Overall Score, an average of all categories, established each city’s final rank, with the highest-scoring city ranked as the best for pickleball lovers and the lowest as the least favorable.
25. Portland
- Access Rank: 28/200
- Community Rank: 20/200
- Popularity Rank: 28/200
First on the list is Portland. It has an overall score of 24.50/100, with a public access rank to the facilities of 28. The eco-friendly and laid-back vibe of Portland adds a refreshing dimension to the sport in the city.
24. Albuquerque
- Access Rank: 13/200
- Community Rank: 58/200
- Popularity Rank: 53/200
With an overall score of 25.09/100, this is a place where Southwestern charm meets pickleball passion. The city has many facilities, with a public access rank of 13.
23. Washington
- Access Rank: 33/200
- Community Rank: 10/200
- Popularity Rank: 16/200
Washington, D.C., may be a political hub, but it sure serves as a hotspot for pickleball lovers. With an overall score of 27.53/100, it has numerous facilities.
22. Denver
- Access Rank: 11/200
- Community Rank: 73/200
- Popularity Rank: 10/200
Denver, found in the Rocky Mountains, offers pickleball enthusiasts a delightful playing experience with the stunning backdrop of the Colorado landscape. With a score of 27.90/100, it is among the top choices for those seeking to enjoy the sport.
21. Minneapolis
- Access Rank: 10/200
- Community Rank: 58/200
- Popularity Rank: 14/200
Part of the vibrant Twin Cities, it emerges as a premier pickleball destination in the Midwest. With a score of 28.42/100, it has a substantial number of facilities and courts.
20. Seattle
- Access Rank: 17/200
- Community Rank: 19/200
- Popularity Rank: 13/200
As the birthplace of pickleball, Seattle, with an overall score of 29.95/100, has a deep-rooted connection to the sport. The city boasts the third-highest number of pickleball facilities, fostering a strong community of players.
19. Columbus
- Access Rank: 24/200
- Community Rank: 8/200
- Popularity Rank: 30/200
Columbus provides a unique pickleball experience in the heart of Ohio. It has an overall score of 30.1/100, with a public access rank of 24.
18. Dallas
- Access Rank: 29/200
- Community Rank: 11/200
- Popularity Rank: 4/200
With a solid score of 30.35/100, Dallas has earned its way to the list. Dallas provides an ideal blend of Southern hospitality and pickleball excellence, creating an inviting atmosphere for both local players and those visiting.
17. San Diego
- Access Rank: 16/200
- Community Rank: 7/200
- Popularity Rank: 8/200
San Diego, with an impressive overall score of 30.99/100, stands as a coastal pickleball haven. Beyond its beautiful landscape, it has a thriving community of pickleball lovers and sufficient facilities to cater to them.
16. Houston
- Access Rank: 14/200
- Community Rank: 27/200
- Popularity Rank: 3/200
Known as the Spacy City, it launches pickleball enthusiasts into a world of excitement. It has a growing community that is highly invested in the sport, earning it a 31.33/100 overall score.
15. San Francisco
- Access Rank: 25/200
- Community Rank: 6/200
- Popularity Rank: 12/200
The city offers a variety of facilities and courts against the stunning backdrop of the Bay Area. Its commitment to the sport has earned it an overall score of 31.76/100.
14. Miami
- Access Rank: 32/200
- Community Rank: 4/200
- Popularity Rank: 7/200
Miami, known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, adds pickleball to its list of attractions. The city has earned an overall score of 31.92/100.
13. Atlanta
- Access Rank: 18/200
- Community Rank: 13/200
- Popularity Rank: 6/200
With its rich history and Southern hospitality, this is a city where pickleball passion thrives. With an overall score of 32.80/100, it has many facilities and courts.
12. Los Angeles
- Access Rank: 31/200
- Community Rank: 8/200
- Popularity Rank: 2/200
With a score of 33.45/100, it’s among the top destinations for enjoying the sport. According to USA Pickleball, it has the most pickleball clubs. The city’s diverse neighborhoods provide a range of playing options. Whether joining a local team, participating in tournaments, or simply enjoying recreational play, L.A. provides you with many chances to elevate your pickleball experiences.
11. Phoenix
- Access Rank: 15/200
- Community Rank: 7/200
- Popularity Rank: 11/200
With a score of 35.42/100, it rises to the top as a premier pickleball destination. It has an incredible public access rank of 15.
10. Cincinnati
- Access Rank: 7/200
- Community Rank: 18/200
- Popularity Rank: 32/200
Cincinnati establishes itself as a Midwestern pickleball powerhouse, surpassing even St. Louis in the number of courts with an impressive 224. It has an overall score of 35.43/100.
9. Tucson
- Access Rank: 5/200
- Community Rank: 21/200
- Popularity Rank: 41/200
This city has a score of 35.91/100. Nestled in the heart of the Southwest, it is a pickleball oasis with its thriving community and excellent facilities. The city has a public access rank of 5.
8. Charlotte
- Access Rank: 8/200
- Community Rank: 15/200
- Popularity Rank: 18/200
Charlotte, with its Southern charm, is not only a bright city but also a fantastic destination for this sport, earning it a 37.08/100. The city provides ample facilities and courts, creating a welcoming environment for players of all levels.
7. Mesa
- Access Rank: 2/200
- Community Rank: 49/200
- Popularity Rank: 52/200
Mesa, Arizona, stands out with its dedication to pickleball, offering the most dedicated courts (166) designed exclusively for the sport. This commitment allows Mesa to host numerous pickleball tournaments, including the Major League Pickleball. It stands with an overall score of 38.36/100.
6. St. Louis
- Access Rank: 4/200
- Community Rank: 14/200
- Popularity Rank: 34/200
St. Louis secures its spot as a pickleball haven in the Midwest, boasting the second-highest number of facilities and the third-highest number of courts. With 52 facilities and 216 courts, it provides a solid infrastructure for those who love the game. The city’s commitment to the sport has earned it a score of 40.28/100.
5. Orlando
- Access Rank: 6/200
- Community Rank: 5/200
- Popularity Rank: 19/200
Orlando, known for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions, adds another layer of magic with its thriving pickleball culture. The city has earned an overall score of 41.59/100.
4. Chicago
- Access Rank: 9/200
- Community Rank: 3/200
- Popularity Rank: 5/200
Chicago, with its iconic skyline and rich cultural atmosphere, emerges among the top destinations, scoring 44.04/100. Being the fourth-highest in facilities, the Windy City provides many opportunities for players to enjoy the game.
3. Las Vegas
- Access Rank: 3/200
- Community Rank: 16/200
- Popularity Rank: 17/200
Known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, Las Vegas proves to be a winning destination for pickleball enthusiasts. With a substantial number of facilities and courts, it provides a diverse range of opportunities for players to engage in the sport, earning it an overall score of 44.48/100.
2. Austin
- Access Rank: 12/200
- Community Rank: 2/200
- Popularity Rank: 9/200
Austin, Texas, embraces its quirky reputation even in the world of pickleball. With a thriving pickleball community, the city offers numerous facilities for players to enjoy the sport. It has an overall score of 44.59/100.
1. New York
- Access Rank: 1/200
- Community Rank: 1/200
- Popularity Rank: 1/200
New York City takes the crown as the ultimate pickleball destination, ranking first overall and excelling in every category with an overall score of 76.65/100. With an impressive 75 pickleball facilities and 279 courts, the city offers abundant opportunities for players to indulge in their favorite sport. Moreover, NYC provides the highest number of free-to-play courts, promoting public access to the game.
