Most popular in the United States—especially Florida, Arizona, Utah, Washington, and growing worldwide.
You want a clear answer to where is pickleball most popular, and I’ve got you. I study where people play, how fast courts open, and what local groups report. In this guide, I map the hotspots, share field notes, and show why certain places dominate. If you want real insight into where is pickleball most popular today, and where it is heading next, read on.
How we measure popularity
When people ask where is pickleball most popular, the answer depends on what you track. I look at a few key signs that show real demand.
- Player participation. National surveys now place pickleball as the fastest growing US sport. It keeps that lead over the last few years.
- Court supply. New public courts open in parks, schools, and gyms each month.
- Search interest. Google Trends jumps in many Sun Belt cities each winter.
- Club and league growth. Local groups run ladders, mixers, and beginner nights that fill fast.
- Events and tourism. Big tournaments and camps draw travel spend and media buzz.
In my work with city rec teams, I find court use and wait times tell the real story. If courts stay full at off hours, you have a hotspot. This method helps answer where is pickleball most popular with data and with what people feel on the ground.
Where is pickleball most popular in the United States?
The US is the clear leader. If your goal is to see where is pickleball most popular right now, start here.
Top states that stand out
- Florida. Naples calls itself the Pickleball Capital of the World. The Villages has massive daily play.
- Arizona. Phoenix and Mesa buzz all winter. Courts pack at sunrise and sunset.
- Utah. St. George and Salt Lake City show high play per person.
- Washington. Seattle and Bainbridge Island hold deep roots and strong clubs.
- Texas. Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio add courts at a fast clip.
- California. San Diego, Orange County, and the Bay Area host large scenes.
- North Carolina. Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington keep growing fast.
- Idaho and Oregon. Boise and Bend punch above their weight.
Cities that live and breathe pickleball
- Naples, FL. Huge year-round community and major events.
- Phoenix area, AZ. Endless open play, leagues, and clinics.
- Seattle area, WA. Historic ties and a tech-fueled rec culture.
- St. George, UT. Destination play with great weather and views.
- Austin, TX. Social play thrives, plus pro events and new venues.
- Boise, ID and Bend, OR. High per capita play and friendly clubs.
From my own trips, Phoenix had the longest wait lists. In Seattle, play started early, even on cold mornings. These moments show where is pickleball most popular, not just by numbers, but by vibe.
Where is pickleball most popular around the world?
The US leads, but global pockets grow fast. This helps answer where is pickleball most popular beyond America.
- Canada. Play surges in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Indoor courts keep winters active.
- Mexico. Resort towns from Cabo to Cancun add courts for tourists and locals.
- United Kingdom. London, Manchester, and the South Coast build clubs and school programs.
- Spain. Padel is huge, but pickleball gains in Madrid, Barcelona, and Costa del Sol.
- Australia and New Zealand. Club networks expand with strong community support.
- India and Southeast Asia. Bengaluru, Mumbai, Singapore, and Manila see new courts and events.
- Middle East. Dubai and Abu Dhabi add courts in multi-sport venues.
International federations and tours now span many of these regions. As travel camps grow, where is pickleball most popular will keep shifting abroad.
Seasonal swings and why they matter
Popularity is not static. Seasons change where is pickleball most popular each month.
- Winter hotspots. Florida and Arizona explode from November to March.
- Summer magnets. The Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and the Midwest shine from May to September.
- Indoor anchors. Canada, the Northeast, and the Upper Midwest rely on school gyms and clubs.
- Snowbird effect. Retirees move play south in winter and north in summer.
Plan travel around these cycles. I have found you can land a spot faster by hitting off-peak seasons in the same city.
Urban, suburban, and rural patterns
Where is pickleball most popular can depend on zip code.
- Urban. Conversions of tennis courts and rooftops fuel fast growth. Demand can outstrip supply.
- Suburban. Parks and rec systems add dedicated complexes. Great for families and leagues.
- Rural. School gyms host open play. Smaller groups, but strong community ties.
Noise rules and court access shape growth. If your city plans well, play thrives. If not, players drive to the next town. I have worked with parks to space courts from homes and cut sound with fences. It works and keeps peace.
Where is pickleball most popular by age group?
Pickleball is for all ages. Yet the mix changes by place. Knowing this helps predict where is pickleball most popular next.
- Active adults and retirees. Florida, Arizona, and Utah set the pace. Morning play is king.
- Young adults. Austin, Seattle, San Diego, and college towns host social nights.
- Families and teens. Suburbs with school programs grow fast. Sunday afternoons fill up.
- Corporate hubs. Lunch leagues pop up near tech and medical campuses.
I run intro nights that mix ages. The best sessions pair fast games with quick coaching. This keeps new players hooked and builds steady demand.
How to find hotspots near you
If you want a local view of where is pickleball most popular, try this simple plan.
- Search a court map app. Look for clusters and check open play hours.
- Check parks and rec calendars. Many post weekly ladders and clinics.
- Join local groups. Facebook and Meetup pages share daily drop-in times.
- Visit at off hours. Scout courts at 7 am and 8 pm to gauge demand.
- Ask a host. Court hosts know skill levels, wait times, and the best nights.
Pro tip from the road: keep a spare paddle in your car. Swing by busy courts at sunset. You will learn more in 20 minutes than in a week online.
Data snapshots and what’s next
Recent industry reports keep ranking pickleball as the fastest-growing US sport. Courts open faster than most city plans can track. Yet growth also brings new tasks. Cities need fair court hours, sound plans, and safe lighting. Private clubs invest in indoor builds to beat weather and noise.
So, where is pickleball most popular tomorrow? Watch these signs:
- Cities that convert unused tennis or warehouse space.
- School districts adding pickleball to PE and after-school clubs.
- Regions with mild weather and strong park budgets.
- Towns with new leagues, from beginners to advanced.
My take: indoor clubs in cold cities will boom next. Florida and Arizona will hold the winter crown. And midsize towns with smart rec teams will jump up the charts. These shifts will shape where is pickleball most popular over the next three years.
Frequently Asked Questions of where is pickleball most popular
Where is pickleball most popular right now?
The United States leads, with Florida, Arizona, Utah, and Washington as standouts. Canada, the UK, and Mexico are rising fast.
Which US city has the biggest pickleball scene?
Naples, Florida is a top choice, with events and daily play. Phoenix, Seattle, and Austin also run deep and busy.
Where is pickleball most popular per person?
Utah and Arizona often rank high due to strong play per resident. Smaller cities like Boise and Bend also show high per capita use.
Is pickleball more popular indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors wins in warm states, especially in winter months. Indoors leads in cold regions and dense cities year-round.
Where is pickleball most popular for beginners?
Suburban parks and rec centers are beginner friendly. Many run intro clinics, loan gear, and host social ladders.
Which countries are growing the fastest in pickleball?
Canada and the UK grow fast across clubs and schools. Australia, Spain, India, and Mexico also expand each season.
How do seasons affect where is pickleball most popular?
Winter shifts demand to Florida and Arizona. Summer boosts the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and the Midwest.
Conclusion
The clearest answer to where is pickleball most popular is the United States, with Florida, Arizona, Utah, and Washington leading the way, and Canada, the UK, and Mexico rising fast. Local rules, weather, and court access all shape the map. Use the tips here to find the best play near you and on your next trip.
Grab a friend, check a local court map, and drop into open play this week. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, share your city in the comments, and help others discover their next pickleball hotspot.