Auburn Living: Private Pool or Private Pickleball Court? You Can Only Pick One
If you’re thinking about Auburn living and exploring homes for sale Auburn, here’s a fun question: would you rather have a private swimming pool or your own private pickleball court?
A few years ago, this might have been an easy answer for most people.
Today? Not so much.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and many buyers relocating to Auburn and Opelika are specifically looking for communities with pickleball courts, walking trails, and active lifestyles. At the same time, plenty of homeowners still dream about cooling off in a private pool during Alabama’s hot summers.
As someone who has lived in the Auburn area since 1988 and has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years, I’ve found that this choice often says a lot about a buyer’s lifestyle.
Why Buyers Love Private Pools
For many homeowners, a pool becomes the centerpiece of the backyard.
Popular reasons buyers want a pool include:
• Summer entertainment
• Family gatherings
• Exercise
• Relaxation
• Staycations
• Outdoor living
• Cooling off during Alabama summers
Many buyers searching for houses for sale Auburn and homes for sale Opelika tell me they envision spending weekends by the pool with family and friends.
A well-designed outdoor space can feel like a private resort.
Why Pickleball Is So Popular
If you’ve been around Auburn recently, you’ve probably noticed pickleball’s growing popularity.
Many buyers are attracted to pickleball because it offers:
• Exercise
• Social interaction
• Competition
• Outdoor recreation
• Multi-generational fun
• Year-round activity
For active adults and retirees, pickleball has become a major lifestyle feature.
I’ve even had relocation buyers ask specifically about neighborhoods with pickleball amenities before asking about other features.
Auburn’s Active Lifestyle
One reason pickleball has become so popular is because Auburn is already an active community.
Residents enjoy:
• Kiesel Park
• Town Creek Park
• Chewacla State Park
• Downtown Auburn
• Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/)
• Auburn Recreation and Culture facilities
• Walking and biking trails
Whether you’re interested in homes for sale Auburn or townhomes for sale Opelika, lifestyle often becomes just as important as square footage.
The Case for the Pool
A private pool creates opportunities for family gatherings and entertaining that few other features can match.
Benefits include:
• Birthday parties
• July 4th celebrations
• Family cookouts
• Relaxing weekends
• Outdoor entertaining
Many Auburn homeowners use their pools extensively from spring through early fall.
The Case for the Pickleball Court
A private pickleball court can offer something different.
Unlike a pool, it encourages activity and social interaction almost every day.
Many owners use their courts for:
• Daily exercise
• Friendly competition
• Neighborhood gatherings
• Family activities
• Retirement recreation
For some buyers, that’s more valuable than a pool.
A Real Client Story
I worked with a couple relocating to Auburn who initially wanted a pool.
As we discussed their lifestyle, they realized they spent most of their free time exercising, walking, and participating in community activities.
By the end of the process, they were more interested in proximity to recreational amenities than having a private pool.
That’s why I always encourage buyers to think about how they’ll actually use a feature after they move in.
What Adds More Value?
The truth is both features appeal to different buyers.
| Feature | Appeals Most To |
|---|---|
| Private Pool | Families, entertainers, outdoor living enthusiasts |
| Pickleball Court | Active adults, retirees, fitness-focused buyers |
| Both | Lifestyle-focused buyers |
The most important thing is choosing the feature you’ll actually use.
Location Still Matters
No matter which feature you choose, location remains important.
Many buyers want convenient access to:
• Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/)
• Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
• Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
• Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
• Downtown Auburn
You can explore local neighborhoods here:
Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
Quick Q&A
Q: Are pools still popular with buyers?
A: Absolutely. Many buyers continue to prioritize outdoor entertaining and recreation.
Q: Is pickleball really that popular?
A: Yes. Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the country.
Q: Which feature appeals to more buyers?
A: It depends on the buyer. Families often lean toward pools, while active adults may prefer pickleball.
Q: Which would you choose?
A: That’s the fun part of this debate!
Thinking About Moving to Auburn or Opelika?
Whether you’re searching for homes for sale Auburn, homes for sale Opelika, houses for sale Auburn, or townhomes for sale Opelika, I’d love to help you find a home that matches your lifestyle.
I’ve lived in the area since 1988 and have been a REALTOR® for over 20 years. I’m proud to be part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
Call or text me at 334-332-7263 or visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com.
Homes, y’all!
