1. Florida
Florida isn’t just a retirement hotspot—it’s the unofficial pickleball capital of the country. With year-round sunshine and a massive senior population, the sport has become a way of life here. Cities like Naples host major tournaments, Lianna Norman explains in the Naples Daily News, including the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, drawing thousands of players and fans. Local governments are even replacing underused tennis courts with pickleball courts to keep up with demand.
Beyond casual play, Florida is becoming a proving ground for professional pickleball. The state boasts some of the top training academies, where serious players hone their skills. Resorts and country clubs have also embraced the sport, adding high-end pickleball facilities alongside golf courses. As a result, Florida continues to set the standard for pickleball culture nationwide.
2. Arizona
Arizona’s dry climate and active communities have turned it into a pickleball paradise, according to Tony Paniagua from AZPM News. Cities like Mesa and Surprise have become meccas for players, with massive complexes that host national tournaments. The state even introduced the first-ever pro pickleball team, the Arizona Drive, showing its commitment to growing the sport. Retirement communities have been a huge driver of the game’s success, with thousands of courts spread across the state.
What sets Arizona apart is its innovative approach to pickleball facilities. Developers are building dedicated pickleball resorts, complete with coaching, leagues, and social events. Local governments have also embraced the sport, funding public courts at a record pace. With such deep community investment, Arizona is ensuring that pickleball isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle.
3. California
California has always been a trendsetter, and pickleball is no exception, according to what Jim Woods wrote in TeachMe.To. The state is home to some of the biggest professional tournaments, including the PPA Tour’s California Swing. Cities like San Diego and Palm Springs have become hubs for competitive play, attracting top talent from around the world. Even Hollywood has caught on, with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Reese Witherspoon fueling the sport’s popularity.
Beyond the glamor, California is driving the sport’s evolution through technology and innovation. Companies based here are developing high-performance paddles and smart court technology to analyze player stats. Pickleball-specific gyms and training centers are popping up, catering to both amateurs and professionals. With its mix of star power and cutting-edge development, California is shaping pickleball’s future in a big way.
4. Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes its passion for pickleball, Brianna Caleri explains in Culture Map Austin. The Lone Star State has seen a surge in courts, leagues, and even pro-level facilities popping up in cities like Austin and Dallas. Major sports investors are getting involved, pouring money into pickleball-focused developments. One example is Dreamland, a massive pickleball and entertainment complex near Austin that’s drawing players from across the country.
Texas is also leading the charge in making pickleball a mainstream spectator sport. The state’s large venues have hosted some of the biggest pro matches, drawing thousands of fans. High schools and colleges are starting to integrate pickleball into their sports programs, ensuring a new generation of players. With its deep sports culture and business-friendly climate, Texas is a major force in pickleball’s explosive growth.
5. North Carolina
North Carolina has quietly become one of the fastest-growing pickleball states in the country, Ashley Mahoney from Axios explains. The state’s mild climate and strong community spirit have made it an ideal place for the sport to flourish. Charlotte and Raleigh have seen a huge increase in public courts, with parks departments prioritizing pickleball over other recreational activities. Major tournaments like the Atlantic Regional Championships are putting North Carolina on the pickleball map.
What makes North Carolina stand out is its grassroots pickleball movement. Local clubs and organizations are working together to expand opportunities, from beginner clinics to competitive leagues. The state’s colleges are also embracing the sport, with club teams popping up on campuses. As a result, North Carolina is creating one of the strongest pickleball communities in the country.
6. Tennessee
Tennessee’s love for pickleball has taken off in both urban and rural areas. Nashville has become a hotbed for the sport, with trendy bars and entertainment venues incorporating pickleball courts. Franklin, a suburb of Nashville, recently opened one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in the country. Even Dollywood, the famous theme park, has pickleball courts for visitors to enjoy.
On the competitive side, Tennessee is home to some of the nation’s best amateur and pro players. The state has hosted several high-profile tournaments, bringing in athletes from all over the U.S. Pickleball academies are on the rise, giving serious players a place to train year-round. With such strong local enthusiasm, Tennessee is quickly becoming a pickleball powerhouse.
7. Utah
Utah has embraced pickleball like few other states, and the numbers prove it. According to national participation rates, Utah has more pickleball players per capita than almost anywhere else in the U.S. Salt Lake City has been at the forefront, investing heavily in public courts and pickleball-specific recreation centers. The state even hosted the Tournament of Champions, one of the most prestigious events in the sport.
What makes Utah unique is its strong sense of community around the game. Families, young professionals, and retirees alike are all picking up paddles, creating a truly multi-generational following. Businesses have taken notice, with companies like Selkirk and Paddletek sponsoring events and launching new equipment lines. With its widespread enthusiasm, Utah is proving that pickleball isn’t just for retirees—it’s for everyone.
8. Georgia
Georgia’s pickleball scene has exploded, and much of it is thanks to Atlanta’s thriving sports culture. The city is home to some of the biggest pickleball clubs in the country, attracting players of all ages. One of the most notable developments is Pickle and Social, a high-end facility combining pickleball with entertainment and dining. This mix of competition and social play is drawing in both casual and serious players, making the sport more accessible.
Beyond Atlanta, smaller cities like Savannah and Augusta are getting in on the action. Public parks are rapidly converting old tennis courts into pickleball courts to meet the growing demand. Georgia has also made waves by hosting high-profile tournaments, including APP and PPA events that bring in top talent. With a strong mix of professional and community-driven play, Georgia is helping shape pickleball’s future.
9. Colorado
Colorado’s active, outdoor-loving population has made it a natural hotspot for pickleball. Cities like Denver and Boulder have seen a rapid rise in dedicated courts, with some parks now struggling to keep up with demand. The state’s high altitude presents a unique challenge for players, forcing many to adjust their game to account for faster ball speeds. This has led to a rise in specialized training programs, helping players adapt to the conditions.
One of Colorado’s biggest contributions to the sport is its commitment to competitive play. The state has hosted several major tournaments, including the Rocky Mountain Championships, drawing athletes from across the country. Many ski towns have also embraced pickleball, turning summer resorts into pickleball hubs when the snow melts. With its combination of natural beauty and a thriving sports culture, Colorado is cementing its status as a pickleball powerhouse.
10. Washington
Washington has deep roots in pickleball—after all, the sport was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965. That legacy still fuels the state’s passion, with Seattle and Spokane leading the charge in new court construction. Washington was one of the first states to invest in dedicated pickleball facilities, rather than just repurposing tennis courts. As a result, the sport has grown from a backyard pastime to a mainstream activity across the Pacific Northwest.
The state is also at the forefront of professional pickleball, hosting top-tier tournaments that bring in international talent. Pickleball-themed bars and social clubs have popped up, making it easier than ever to get involved. Washington’s tech industry has even contributed to the sport, with companies working on advanced paddle materials and smart training equipment. With such a rich history and continued innovation, Washington remains a cornerstone of the pickleball world.
11. Michigan
Michigan has fully embraced pickleball, especially in cities like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. The state’s long winters haven’t slowed things down—in fact, they’ve fueled the growth of massive indoor pickleball complexes. One standout example is the Michigan Athletic Club, which has dedicated significant resources to expanding its pickleball offerings. Even smaller community centers are investing in indoor courts, ensuring that play continues year-round.
Michigan is also making waves in the collegiate scene, with universities like Michigan State and the University of Michigan seeing a rise in student pickleball clubs. The state’s strong tennis culture has helped transition players into the pickleball world, bringing a high level of competition. Major tournaments like the Beer City Open in Grand Rapids have put Michigan on the national pickleball map. With a mix of indoor innovation and serious competition, Michigan is proving it belongs among the top pickleball states.
12. South Carolina
South Carolina’s coastal cities have turned into pickleball hotspots, with Charleston and Hilton Head leading the charge. The region’s popularity among retirees has helped fuel the sport’s rise, but younger players are now getting involved, too. Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes Resort has become a pickleball destination, offering lessons, tournaments, and social events. As more resorts and communities add courts, South Carolina is quickly becoming a go-to spot for pickleball vacations.
The state has also become a hub for pickleball tourism, drawing players from colder states looking to escape the winter. Myrtle Beach has seen a surge in pickleball clubs and events, with businesses catering to the growing community. Competitive play is on the rise, with South Carolina hosting regional tournaments that attract top-tier talent. With its mix of recreation and competition, South Carolina is shaping the future of pickleball in the Southeast.
13. Minnesota
Minnesota’s brutal winters haven’t slowed down its pickleball obsession—in fact, they’ve made the indoor game thrive. The Twin Cities have seen an explosion of indoor pickleball centers, catering to the state’s active population year-round. Even in the summer, outdoor courts in parks and recreation centers are packed with players. The Minneapolis Pickleball Club, one of the largest in the country, has played a huge role in expanding the game.
What makes Minnesota stand out is its commitment to making pickleball accessible to all ages. Schools are incorporating the sport into their physical education programs, ensuring a steady stream of new players. Community leagues have grown rapidly, bringing together beginners and experienced players alike. With such strong grassroots support, Minnesota is proving that pickleball isn’t just a warm-weather sport—it’s a game for every season.
