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New Jersey Ranked Among Top States Most Obsessed With Pickleball

Author Jeff Gorra

The fastest-growing sport in America is showing no signs of slowing down. Now in the warmer weather, pickleball can be seen (and heard) being played on courts in all corners of the country. In a recent study by Solitaire Bliss, New Jersey ranked in the top ten states most obsessed with pickleball.

“The Association of Pickleball Professionals reported more than 36.5 million players in 2022,” Solitaire Bliss begins. Pickleheads, an extensive online resource for all things pickleball, have taken their research a bit further. To fully show backing information on what is happening with this phenomenon, they provide some statistics that show incredible growth numbers.

For example, pickleball has shown 185.6% growth over the past three years. The forecasted compounded annual growth rate over the next five years is 7.7%. Finally, Pickleheads states there are approximately 10,320 places to play pickleball.

So how big is pickleball in New Jersey?

Overall, New Jersey ranked as the 9th most pickleball-obsessed state in the country.

In addition to the state being recognized, Jersey City and Newark were spotlighted as cities with the highest growing pickleball interest. Jersey City had 122% year-over-year change (ranking #2). Newark had 85% year-over-year change (ranking #8). There’s an element that makes these statistics even more impressive. The Garden State is limited to indoor play only for a few months of the year. We endure east coast winters that often make the outdoor spaces unavailable.

Overall, New Jersey has seen 83% year-over-year change. That ranks as the third fastest-growing state in the country.

Your NJ Pickleball Guide

There is now a dedicated resource guide proving that New Jersey has become obsessed with pickleball. New Jersey Pickleball can point you in the right direction for all your pickleball needs and inquiries. Here you can find everything from courts to coaches. Furthermore, if you are experienced, they offer information on upcoming tournaments to join.

2 New Jersey Destinations Among The Best For Solo Travel

There are some major benefits to taking a trip by yourself. The solitude gives you time to clear your mind and gather your thoughts. And it also enables you to create your own schedule, taking in the sights you set out for. Good Housekeeping published a report that details America’s best places for solo travel, and New Jersey was all over this list.

By The Numbers

In addition, Fifty Grande recently conducted a solo travel survey. They found that “52% of respondents said they planned to take a solo trip before the end of the year, and 64% of them planned to take that trip in America.” Furthermore, they found that 40% of those that participated in their survey answered “10” on a scale of 1-10 on how comfortable they were to travel alone. 83% said answered a 7 or above.

Other interesting items to note were 89% of the people had already taken a solo trip. The main reason was to “explore a new place and/or immerse in a local culture.” 22.9% said they traveled alone because it was “more fun when I’m 100% in control.”

Moreover, 52% of people plan on traveling solo before the end of the year. Much of that will be within the United States, Fifty Grande shows.

New Jersey is filled with areas that are prime for solo travel exploring. Of course, Atlantic City has a major nightlife scene. There are pristine golf courses all throughout the state, some of which are in close proximity to New York City (if you want to head in for dinner or a show). Finally, there are miles of beachside attractions along the Atlantic and historic sites deep in the heart of the Garden State. So, let’s take a look at the two New Jersey destinations that were named best for solo travel. They happen to over a hundred and thirty miles away from each other, and vastly different in terms of what you can explore there.

  • Princeton

    Home to the Ivy League Tigers, Good Housekeeping calls out the historic sites this central New Jersey town house to offer. “Princeton Battle Monument honors the battle fought and won by George Washington in 1777.” The University Art Museum and the Morven Museum and Garden often attract tourists from all over the world. Lastly, Carnegie Lake is one of the most serene spots in the state.

    Carnegie lake in Princeton, New Jersey featuring old bridge on the background

    Getty Images

  • Cape May

    “Spend your day wandering the cute shops, sunbathing at the beach or climbing the 199 steps to the top of Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Pointe State Park,” Good Housekeeping suggest. Cape May draws a lot of visitors in the summer months. It’s very common that you will find families, couples, and solo travelers among them. In addition to one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the east coast, you can visit winery’s, theaters, safaris, or just rest along the shore of the beautiful beaches.

    Cape May branded Lifeboat on the beach with the ocean in the back

    Getty Images

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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