Tampa Named One Of The Best Recreation Cities In America

This summer WalletHub went on a mission to identify the best recreation cities in America, and Tampa ranked towards the top of results.

To compile this list, WalletHub dove deep into 100 of the largest cities in the country. Then, four different categories were measured. They were the weather, quality of parks, overall costs, entertainment, and recreational facilities. Within those respective areas, 48 different metrics were evaluated and scored. The final list was then compiled and arranged by top scores.

"The best cities have a wide range of leisure activities, both indoor and outdoor," WalletHub explained. Tampa thrived in both of these areas, and how accessible the activities are to residents and visitors.

Only Las Vegas and fellow Florida city Orlando ranked above Tampa for their recreational greatness. Tampa finished this evaluation with a 56.97 score. The quality of the city's parks was the area where the city shined the brightest.

If unwinding in local coffee shops is your thing, you will be pleased to know that Tampa is ranked as the fifth-best city in the country for that.

Some of our outdoor activities that added to our standing included biking and tennis courts. Furthermore, pickleball has become incredibly popular in the area. There is even a community organization specific to this sport.

As for indoor recreation, WalletHub highlighted activities such as bowling alleys, movie theatres, and pool halls. Sweet treats were equally as important. The number of ice cream and frozen yogurt shops per capita was also measured.

While it is obvious the south Florida weather played to the advantage of Tampa, that did not guarantee the city would score so highly in the indoor recreation space. The live music halls, sports venues, and sports-fan friendliness also contributed to Tampa's top ranking here.

The fastest-growing sport in America has made its mark on Southwest Florida. There are now a few exciting new places to play Pickleball in the Tampa region. Perhaps you have noticed your local athletic center turning part of their basketball gym into a Pickleball court. Even Lebron James is onboard, buying into a major league team in late 2022.

Though the sport has been around since 1965, it’s more recently gained major popularity here in Tampa. There are local Facebook groups that share ideas and enthusiasm for the sport. There is also a community named, The Tampa Pickleball Crew that describes themselves as, "a socializing, community, and friendly competition come together through pickleball." This crew is also pioneering an effort to open a new indoor facility in Ybor City this spring. Whether you are looking to learn the game, play competitively or swing a paddle while sipping a beer, Massachusetts now has options to meet your Pickleball curiosity.

Known for being a recreational sport landmark (where numerous MLB baseball players trained), there are also six pickleball courts at Cuscaden Park. Each are dedicated to Pickleball with permanent lines and nets. They are free to use and open from sunrise to sunset.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has its own tennis and pickleball facility. Though a membership is required to play, there are eight courts available and classes you can register for.

Home to the Northlakes Recreation Center, there are eight outdoor courts here in addition to six tennis courts and two racquet ball courts. There’s something for everyone here, with walking trails and lacrosse fields on the grounds. Bring the whole family!

Reservations are available at 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River. There are two outdoor courts in close proximity to public restrooms and water.

The Tampa Bay Times has reported Ybor City’s Gas Worx will open the indoor pickleball courts this spring. It is in part thanks to the Tampa Pickleball Crew, who are leading the efforts. The 28,000-square-foot club will house seven courts. The plan allows for there to be both open times and court reservation options that can be secured via an app.

These four outdoor hard courts are dedicated to Pickleball. There is a full gym schedule dedicated to the game, four days a week. In close proximately to the lake and pool, this facility is open to the public and does not require a membership fee.

Described as an active community, this Oldsmar club has 12 outdoor courts available for Pickleball. The game is offered to members of all ages. There are tournaments, clinics, and social events held throughout the year.

[caption id="attachment_544316" align="alignnone" width="724"]