The Best States for Pickleball, Ranked, According to Our Readers
California
In July 2022, Fox 5 morning news declared pickleball a “phenomenon” sweeping California and across the nation. Since the state is also home to many avid tennis players, disputes have erupted over fair access to courts. The problem in San Diego has progressed to the point of #OccupyTennis protests, storm-the-courts demonstrations, accusations of corruption, and official city complaints.
All of this has grabbed the attention of news outlets as well as people across the country watching YouTube footage of the escalating conflicts. San Diego and many other California cities are scrambling to create more pickleball-only courts as the game’s popularity surges.
Where to look for pickleball courts in California:
· Tennis centers like the Annaheim Tennis Center
· Resorts like the Rancho California RV Resort
· Local park districts like the Park District of Oak Park
· Senior and community centers like the Acosta Community Center
Florida
Naples, Florida, has claimed the unofficial title of Pickleball Capital of the World. The city is home to a growing community of avid players as well as the annual Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championship and the Naples Pickleball Center, which contains 60 well-maintained courts. Naples is also home to many new pickleball courts, both private and public, encouraging participation from community members of all ages.
There are more than 10,000 pickleball players throughout Florida. Many cities are establishing public courts in local parks to keep up with demand.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Florida:
· City parks and recreation areas like those in the Town of Davie
· Sports and recreation facilities like the Wiregrass Multi-sports Complex
· Beach resorts like the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
· YMCA locations throughout the state
Texas
Austin is the place to be in Texas if you love pickleball. The Austin Pickle Ranch lit up the headlines when it was first announced. The massive pickleball facility is scheduled to open in spring 2023 with 33 pickleball courts, including 16 covered courts. It will also serve as a live outdoor music venue while offering space for Pilates, yoga, and a dog play yard. It will even feature food trucks.
There are also more than 40 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts maintained by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. They’re scattered throughout the Austin area at neighborhood parks and recreation areas.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Texas:
· Public parks and recreation centers
· Large entertainment complexes like Dreamland
New York
If you’re going to pickleball in New York, why not do it in Central Park? It all happens at the North Meadow Recreation Center, where a group of active players gathers around the nets on 97th Street daily. You can also get in on the action in New York City by joining your closest recreation center. Most rec centers now offer introductory courses and hold pickleball events in addition to allowing practice on the courts daily.
Some of the best New York pickleball experiences are on less than traditional courts. If you head to Houston & 6th in Manhattan, you’ll find six courts created with tape on the asphalt. In the mornings and early afternoons, community members bring portable nets to open the action. There are also many courts popping up in playgrounds throughout Manhattan.
Where to look for pickleball courts in New York:
· Local parks and recreation centers
· Tennis facilities like Court 16
Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, and smaller surrounding communities are becoming a hot spot for pickleball enthusiasts across the state. The news is buzzing about a large pickleball complex slated to open in 2023. The Real Dill Pickleball Club will offer private courts plus gathering space, lessons for all skill levels, and space for leagues and tournaments.
If you’re looking to drop in and play with community members on the fly, check out some of the unofficial courts popping up throughout the Columbus area. For instance, there’s an outdoor court at Lazelle Woods that was created on a roller hockey rink. Outdoor play with portable nets is allowed in all outdoor recreation areas throughout the city.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Ohio:
· City parks and rec centers like the courts in Dublin
· Tennis facilities like North Ridge Racket and Paddle
· Country clubs like Avon Oaks Country Club
· YMCAs throughout the state
Arizona
Arizona’s first sports complex dedicated to pickleball opened in Chandler in May 2022. Pickleball Kingdom has 15 courts and offers a free Pickleball 101 course that is available for drop ins. The facility offers daily practice times that you can reserve online plus tournaments and leagues. The pro shop, viewing area, sports television, and snack bar are also enticing.
Many resorts and residential communities in Arizona are now offering pickleball courts as well. Some are senior communities while others welcome all ages. They all encourage active lifestyles, which now includes pickleball courts.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Arizona:
· Public parks like G.R. Herberger Park
· Fitness centers like FLC Fitness
· Religious facilities like Valley Presbyterian Church
· Community activity facilities like Washington Activity Center
Illinois
Northern Illinois Pickleball is your go-to resource for pickleball in Illinois. They have created a variety of pickleball clubs, each serving a different region of the state or community. Clubs participate in tournaments, practice together, and form a social community for support and mutual enjoyment. Clubs are available in Chicago, Decatur, Peoria, Springfield, and many other locations.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Illinois:
· Community parks like those offered throughout Chicago and in Hinsdale
· Fitness centers like Lakeshore Sports & Fitness
Pennsylvania
Some of the best pickleball courts in Pennsylvania are outdoors in community parks. Buchmiller Park is one of the most popular options. It’s located in Lancaster and offers six courts plus a playground, comfort station, picnic tables, and medium-sized parking lot nearby.
Pleasant View Park is another great option if you don’t mind sharing space with tennis players. The park is located in an active community and features a variety of options for outdoor recreation. You can cross-train with sand volleyball while the little ones play at the playground.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Pennsylvania:
· Community parks like Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park
· Country clubs like Chambersburg Country Club
· YMCAs throughout the state
North Carolina
Pickleball is catching on in North Carolina, but there are no large facilities dedicated just to the sport (yet). You can find opportunities for free play and drop-in action in many community parks and recreation centers. For instance, Raleigh, NC, offers six outdoor courts split between two parks and indoor courts that allow participants to sign-up to get into the court rotation on select days.
Where to look for pickleball courts in North Carolina:
· Community parks like Davis Park
· Resorts like Corolla Light
· YMCAs throughout the state
Virginia
Much like other states, some of the best places to play pickleball are community parks and recreation centers. There are some larger facilities starting to pop up, including the popular Pickleballerz. It offers six pickleball courts that are available year-round, regardless of weather. The center offers clinics, leagues, and kid’s programs in addition to standard pickerball play.
If you’re in the Fairfax County area, you can look online for exact locations of pickleball courts throughout the area. Just turn on the filter for lined pickleball courts for more than 20 locations.
Where to look for pickleball courts in Virginia:
· Community parks like Alexandria City Park
· YMCAs throughout the state
