Pickleball Courts: The New Symbol of Luxury in Vacation Homes
Pickleball, the sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, particularly among the affluent. Once a mere pastime, it has become a key factor in luxury real estate decisions. In locations like Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida, luxury buyers are now opting to install private pickleball courts in their vacation homes, with some spending an extra $1 million to accommodate this feature. Senada Adžem, an executive director at Douglas Elliman, notes the shift from traditional tennis courts to pickleball courts, reflecting the sport's growing prestige among the elite.
The appeal of pickleball courts extends beyond personal enjoyment; it represents a broader trend in luxury amenities. Buyers are not only seeking homes with enough land to install these courts but are also looking at properties where courts can enhance the communal facilities. Adžem reports that nearly every luxury community is now repurposing old tennis courts to meet this demand. The game's popularity has introduced new community standards, including noise ordinances to manage the lively nature of pickleball play. This enthusiasm for the sport indicates a significant transformation in what luxury buyers value in recreational amenities.
Balancing Recreation with Safety in High-End Real Estate
In addition to recreational features, safety remains a paramount concern for luxury home buyers, particularly in the post-COVID era. Exclusive communities like Stone Creek Ranch in Palm Beach are enhancing their appeal by employing former military and police personnel for round-the-clock security. Similarly, secret safe rooms equipped with advanced security technologies are becoming standard in these homes, reflecting a dual focus on leisure and protection. Darin Tansey of Douglas Elliman highlights that while pickleball courts add a playful allure to these properties, the underlying need for security and privacy continues to shape buyer preferences in the luxury market.
