The Most Pickleball-Obsessed Cities in America
If you’ve heard more paddles popping than ever before… you’re not imagining it. Pickleball has absolutely exploded across the country — soaring by a whopping 311% in participation over the last three years. And with the USA Pickleball National Championships taking place Nov. 15–23, now’s the perfect time to look ahead and see which cities are gearing up to dominate the sport in 2026.
Lawn Love did the heavy lifting by crunching 11 different metrics — including access to courts, local tournaments, active pickleball communities, and even Google search interest — to reveal the most pickleball-obsessed cities in the U.S.
But before you assume it’s all just fun and games, think again: professional pickleball players earned more than $30 million in prize money in 2024 between Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
Yep… this sport is serious business.
🏓 Top 10 Best Cities for Pickleball in 2026
- New York
- Houston
- Chicago
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Las Vegas
- Charlotte, NC
- Cincinnati
- Mesa, AZ
- Los Angeles
What the Rankings Reveal
East Coast Dominance
Despite pickleball’s West Coast roots — it was invented near Seattle in 1965 — the top of the leaderboard is packed with East Coast heavy hitters. Only Las Vegas and Mesa, Arizona represent the West in the top 10.
New York Takes a Commanding Lead
Coming in almost 18 points ahead of second-place Houston, New York City shows up strong with unmatched access to courts, clubs, tournaments, and major league teams. In fact, NYC represents the sport twice at the premier level with:
- New York Hustlers
- Brooklyn Pickleball Team
If pickleball had a Broadway show, NYC would be center stage.
Popularity Doesn’t Always Mean Playability
Some cities, like Plantation, FL, Albany, NY, and Hartford, CT, rank surprisingly high for local passion — landing in the Top 100 for popularity. But their lack of accessible courts pushes them far down the overall list. In other words, fans are eager… but the court space is scarce.
Why Lawn Love Is Tracking Pickleball Trends
As temperatures drop, pickleball players head indoors — but once spring arrives, the great outdoors becomes the ultimate home court. And for many homeowners, that means transforming the backyard into a pickleball-ready play zone.
A smooth, well-kept lawn is key to an even match, and Lawn Love’s pros can help you get your grass in game-day condition. Whether you’re dinking, driving, or just cheering from the sidelines, your lawn can be part of the action.
Pickleball is more than a trend — it’s a booming movement, and these cities are leading the charge into 2026.
