Why HOAs and Apartment Complexes Are Adding Pickleball Courts

A few years ago, most people had never even heard of pickleball. Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing a court, hearing the pop of paddles, or catching a conversation about the fastest-growing sport in the country. 

And it’s not just public spaces getting in on the action. Homeowners associations (HOAs) and apartment complexes are paying attention too. As younger renters seek out modern amenities and families look for ways to stay active without leaving the neighborhood, adding a pickleball court has quickly become one of the smartest community upgrades on the table.  

If you’re managing an HOA or apartment complex, here’s why adding a pickleball court could be a smart, valuable community investment for your residents.

1) Pickleball Is a Lifestyle Shift  

Nearly 20 million Americans played pickleball in 2024 alone. Here’s why:  

• It’s easy to learn.  
• It’s low-impact (great for knees and backs).  
• You don’t need to be in peak physical shape to enjoy it.
• It’s fun, fast-paced, and social.  

The low barrier to entry makes it appealing to kids, seniors, couples, and even people who’ve new to pickleball. It’s the kind of thing that starts as a weekend hobby and turns into a five-days-a-week ritual. And for HOAs or apartments, that’s exactly the kind of amenity you want to offer.  

2) Pickleball is a Social Glue  

HOAs and apartment managers are always trying to figure out how to get residents more involved without making it feel like summer camp. Pickleball does that.  

Adding a pickleball court to your community space creates opportunities for residents to meet, interact, and build relationships over friendly games and casual competitions.

If you’re an HOA board member or property manager, this is gold. Happy, connected residents are more likely to renew leases, attend meetings, and take better care of shared spaces. It also reduces complaints and conflict.  

3) It’s Cheaper Than You’d Think  

While you might think pickleball court construction is a significant investment, it’s actually one of the more affordable amenities you can add to an HOA or apartment complex.

Compared to a pool, gym, or full-size tennis court, building a pickleball court is relatively low-cost. You don’t need a ton of land, and you can repurpose existing space. Some properties convert old tennis courts or underused asphalt into high-quality pickleball surfaces for a fraction of the price it would take to build something from scratch.  

4) Pickleball Promotes Health and Wellness  

Nowadays, residents want access to amenities that support active, balanced lifestyles. Pickleball is great cardio, improves coordination, and helps with mental focus. For older residents, it supports mobility and keeps them social. For younger players, it’s a break from screens and a fun way to meet neighbors.  

5) A Leg Up in the Amenity Arms Race  

The rental and real estate markets are crowded. If you’re trying to fill units or sell homes, you must stand out.  

Adding a pickleball court is a simple way to jump ahead in the amenity arms race. More and more people are specifically searching for apartments with pickleball courts, and if your property shows up in that filtered search, you’re already ahead of the game.  

It’s also a great way to repurpose dead space. If you have a stretch of land no one’s using, you can turn it into something that serves residents and gets people engaged.  

6) Pickleball Boosts Property Value  

A well-maintained, active amenity like a pickleball court can boost perceived and real value. When prospective buyers tour the neighborhood and see people actively using the court, it paints a picture of vibrancy and connection.  

The same applies to rentals. People are willing to pay more for units in a place that offers fun, active options. With the growing pickleball craze, this is becoming a deciding factor.  

Also, since pickleball court construction isn’t wildly expensive, the return on investment looks good even in a conservative projection.  

7) It’s Flexible and Future-Proof  

Another reason to consider a home pickleball court or shared-use space is its flexibility. It’s not a huge commitment of land or money. And if, five years from now, some new sport replaces pickleball, you can repurpose the space without a complete tear-down.  

That’s not true for pools or squash courts.  

Pickleball court construction is a safer long-term play. You’re not locked into one type of user or one generation. The game scales with the needs of your residents.  

What to Consider Before Building a Pickleball Court  

If you’re thinking about adding a pickleball court at home or in your complex, here are a few things to figure out first.  

1) Space Requirements  

Start by measuring your space. A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, but that’s just the play area. To allow for movement around the court and safe sidelines, the recommended space is 30 feet by 60 feet.   

If you’re tight on space, you might be able to squeeze it in—but don’t cut corners. Cramped layouts make play uncomfortable and unsafe.  

2) Noise Considerations  

Pickleball isn’t silent. The pop of the ball and casual chatter can get loud, especially with back-to-back games. If your home pickleball court or complex is near bedrooms or neighboring houses, talk to nearby residents first. You can reduce sound with acoustic fencing, landscaping, or by placing the court farther from living areas.  

3) Lighting for Evening Play  

Many of your residents may want to play in the evenings—after work or dinner. Hence, proper lighting is a must. LED court lights are efficient and bright enough for safe play without lighting up the whole neighborhood. Add timers or motion sensors to keep costs down and avoid complaints about late-night games.  

4) Court Access and Usage Rules  

Decide early how the court will be used. Will it be first-come, first-served? Do residents need to reserve a time slot? Are guests allowed? Establishing rules helps prevent confusion and frustration. In an apartment complex with a lot of residents, a reservation system is usually the best way to avoid crowding.  

Final Thoughts  

If you want your property to stay relevant, you need to offer what people use. And right now, that’s a pickleball court.  

It’s cost-effective, widely appealing, and builds real community engagement. You’re not just chasing a trend—you’re creating a space where people live better, connect more, and stay longer.  

And with more people actively searching for apartments with pickleball courts or looking to add a pickleball court at home, you can bet the demand will only grow.  

Ready to bring the pickleball craze to your property? Whether you’re managing an HOA, upgrading an apartment complex, or thinking about adding a pickleball court at home, Boomer Pickleball can help you make it happen. From high-quality paddles and long-lasting balls to expert tips that make sense, we’re here to help you learn the game—and love it.  

Browse our gear or reach out today to find the right equipment for your court.