The Rise of Pickleball in Pennsylvania: A Look at Top Cities

Across the United States, pickleball is more popular than ever. In 2023, there were approximately 36.5 million players, a significant increase from previous years. This sport is particularly popular among younger demographics, with the largest age group being 18-34 years old. The average age of a pickleball player is now 34.8 years, highlighting its appeal across generations​​.

With more than 13,969 courts across the country and new ones being built every month, the infrastructure is expanding to meet demand. TeachMe.To has over 600 coaches and 10,000 hours of coaching sessions. Based on this data, here are the top places to play pickleball in Pennsylvania.

1. Penn Wynne

​Penn Wynne ranks first with 10% of the state's pickleball coaches and an impressive 12.70% of all pickleball coaching lessons booked in Pennsylvania. The top location to play pickleball in Penn Wynne is Wynnewood Valley Park which is an outdoor court and there is no charge to play.

2. East Goshen Township

​East Goshen Township ranks second and is located a few miles north east of the city of West Chester. East Goshen hosts 5% of the coaches in the state and 11.11% of the pickleball coaching lessons take place here as well. East Goshen recently installed new pickleball and tennis courts and is quite popular with players. There are many events that take place at this location on a regular basis. Last year, a pickleball focus group was also formed to improve the playing experience for athletes.

3. Philadelphia

​Philadelphia, a major city with a rich history, also makes a notable appearance on the list. It has 5% of the state's pickleball coaches and 9.52% of the pickleball coaching lessons. An announcement from Pickleball Kingdom says they are actively looking to start a new location in the area. There arecurrently 16 locations with 52 courts, so this is big news for pickleball fans as that means there will be even more locations for players to enjoy.

4. Havertown

​Havertown stands out with the highest percentage of coaches at 15%, while booking 7.94% of pickleball coaching lessons in the state. This suburb of Philadelphia has embraced pickleball wholeheartedly and the high percentage of coaches indicates a strong local interest in the sport.

5. Pittsburgh

​Pittsburgh is known for its passionate sports culture. The city also features 5% of the coaches in the state and 7.94% of the pickleball coaching lessons. A new location called the Pickleball Warehouse is planned to open this summer. According to its website, most of the Pickleball Warehouse's 15 courts will operate on an open play system, where players rotate between courts and competitors.

6. West Vincent Township

​West Vincent Township mirrors Pittsburgh's statistics with 5% of the coaches and 7.94% of the pickleball coaching lessons. With a smaller population of only 4,567 people, ranking sixth shows how popular this sport of pickleball is in the area.

7. Ambler

Ambler boasts 10% of the coaches and also represents 6.35% of the pickleball coaching lessons. This town's community-oriented approach and focus on sports development have helped elevate pickleball's profile. 

8. Montgomery Township

​Montgomery Township has 5% of the coaches and 6.35% of the pickleball coaching lessons, showcases a balanced approach to sports development. The township's investment in recreational programs and facilities has provided residents with ample opportunities to engage in pickleball.

9. North Wales

​North Wales has 10% of the coaches and 6.35% of the pickleball coaching lessons booked in the state. The town's commitment to fostering sports at the grassroots level is evident, with a growing interest in pickleball among residents.

10. Swarthmore

​Swarthmore has identical numbers to North Wales with 10% of the coaches and 6.35% of the pickleball coaching lessons. Known for its educational institutions and community spirit, Swarthmore has embraced pickleball as part of its recreational offerings.

The Future of Pickleball in Pennsylvania

As pickleball continues to grow in Pennsylvania, these cities will most likely see even more participation and resources dedicated to the sport. One key point  worth noting is how equally distributed the pickleball coaching data is throughout the state. This data shows that many communities in Pennsylvania are interested in pickleball, not just one or two of the larger cities. So, whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just getting started playing, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the growing pickleball community in Pennsylvania.

​​