Pickleball has become a well-loved sport among the 55+ crowd. Somewhat of a mix between tennis, table tennis, and badminton, the game allows for a little friendly competition—no matter the skill level—while also keeping participants active. It’s not only a great way to socialize and get to know neighbors, but it’s also a fun way to get in some daily cardio.
With the game’s rising popularity, many active adult communities across the country have taken heed and added pickleball courts to their lists of amenities. And, the Raleigh-Durham area—which is home to 40 active adult communities—is no different. Several of the area’s communities have been outfitted with pickleball courts to keep up with the popular trend.
Here are four Raleigh area communities big on pickleball:
Creekside at Bethpage – Durham, NC
Low $300s – High $500s
Creekside at Bethpage is an age-restricted community made up of 650 single-family and attached homes that are available as both new construction and resale. There are more than a dozen floor plans to choose from with choices ranging between 1,294 and 2,206 square feet of living space. Options can include two to three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and two- or three-car garages. Some plans also include a den.
Creekside at Beth Page features several pickleball courts, plus, an organized club for homeowners to join. Along with the pickleball courts, there are also tennis and bocce ball courts as well as lawn bowling for residents to strike up a game at any time. Additional amenities include the 13,000-square-foot Hemingway Hall, social rooms, an arts and crafts studio, a fitness center, an outdoor pool and patio, plus on-site retail shopping. Also, with a wide variety of organized activities, events, clubs, and interest groups to choose from, residents will easily fill their social calendars.
Carolina Arbors – Durham, NC
Low $300s – High $600s
Carolina Arbors is a large, age-restricted Del Webb community that’s home to more than 1,250 residences. Properties are available as both new and resale. There are three home collections for potential homebuyers to consider that range from 1,115 to 2,562 square feet. Plans can have between two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and either a two or two-and-a-half car garage.
The community has three pickleball courts for residents to use as well as an active pickleball club. Along with the pickleball courts, Carolina Arbors also offers residents a lengthy list of amenities that includes everything from a 37,000-square-foot clubhouse and a heated indoor pool to a botanical garden and four bocce ball courts, for those who want to try their hand at another popular game.
Del Webb at Traditions – Wake Forest, NC
Low $300s – Low $600s
Another Del Webb community that also boasts several pickleball courts and an active pickleball club is Del Webb at Traditions in Wake Forest. The development is fairly new, with construction started in 2017. It will consist of 452 single-family homes upon completion. Floor plans range from 1,656 to 2,536 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to four-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage.
The neighborhood’s pickleball courts are just the start of the amenities residents have access to. Other amenities include an expansive 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center with a variety of cardio and weight lighting equipment, a coffee bar, an indoor pool and spa, plus an arts and crafts studio. Outdoor amenities include tennis and bocce ball courts, a community garden, and walking and biking trails.
Encore at Briar Chapel – Chapel Hill, NC
Low $300s – High $400s
Located in Chapel Hill—just a short drive from Downtown Raleigh—the Encore at Briar Chapel is a gated, age-restricted community with just under 200 new single-family homes. There are two home series for prospective residents to consider with 10 floor plans that vary in size from 1,591 to 3,216 square feet. Residences can have anywhere between two to four bedrooms, two to four-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
Within the community’s gates, there are several pickleball courts for homeowners to enjoy on a daily basis as well as organized pickleball games where neighbors can compete for bragging rights. Beyond the pickleball courts and matches, Encore at Briar Chapel also features several other desirable amenities, including a clubhouse, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor pool and patio, tennis and basketball courts, a dog park, plus walking and biking trails.
