Pickleball Noise Battle by Cape Cod Couple: As the pickleball craze sweeps across America, there’s an emerging group that’s becoming increasingly disenchanted with the sport—homeowners living near pickleball courts. While the sport’s rapid rise in popularity has cultivated a devoted following, the constant sound of paddles striking balls, coupled with the occasional outburst from players, is beginning to wear on those living close to the action. This noise, they argue, is not just a nuisance but also a detriment to their property values and their ability to sell their homes.
Cape Cod Couple’s Struggle to Sell Their Home
In Sagamore Beach, Cape Cod, one couple has been struggling for seven months to sell their home, despite multiple price reductions. They attribute their inability to sell directly to the noise from nearby private pickleball courts, which border their backyard. The couple has gone as far as hiring a lawyer to seek the closure of the courts until their home is sold. This situation isn’t unique. In San Francisco, a similar scenario unfolded when a wealthy couple succeeded in shutting down six pickleball courts at Presidio Wall Playground in 2023. Their complaint? The “endless racket” was not only annoying but also potentially damaging to native ecosystems and detrimental to home values. Interestingly, their own 106-year-old home, which featured a private pickleball court, sold for $24 million after the shutdown.
The Impact of Pickleball Courts on Property Values
But do pickleball courts actually hurt property values? The answer, it seems, depends on the buyer. According to Realtor.com’s senior economist Hannah Jones, “Noisy nearby attractions, such as a pickleball court or a bar or restaurant, may drive away some noise-sensitive homebuyers.” On the other hand, some buyers might be attracted to the vibrant atmosphere these amenities offer. “Overall,” Jones concludes, “it is likely that nearby attractions, such as a pickleball court, will skew a home’s appeal to certain types of buyers, just like any other amenity.”
Real estate agents are also noticing an uptick in pickleball-related issues as the sport continues to grow. Josh Judge of Verani Realty, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in New Hampshire, has seen the impact firsthand. “Homes that find themselves suddenly next to a court have not only caused problems between neighbors, but have actually motivated many people to want to move,” he says.
Solutions and Ongoing Tensions
As the popularity of pickleball continues to rise, so too do the noise complaints. However, some communities are finding ways to address the issue. In Braintree, Massachusetts, for example, the city spent $450,000 on new pickleball courts in 2022. When nearby residents began to complain about the noise, the town approved an additional $22,000 budget to install acoustic panels to reduce the sound. Other solutions have included restricting play to certain days and times or relocating courts to less disruptive locations.
Despite these challenges, not everyone living near pickleball courts is troubled by the noise. Las Vegas resident Sandy Selig, who lives next to her community’s courts, finds the sound occasionally distracting but not bothersome. As a passionate pickleball player herself, Selig appreciates having easy access to the courts and doesn’t mind the noise.
News in Brief: Pickleball Noise Battle by Cape Cod Couple
A Cape Cod couple in Sagamore Beach blames nearby pickleball courts for their inability to sell their home, leading them to hire a lawyer to seek court closure. This situation reflects a growing trend where homeowners across the U.S. report declining property values and real estate difficulties due to the noise from pickleball courts. While some buyers might be drawn to the lively atmosphere these courts create, others are put off by the constant noise. Communities are beginning to address these concerns with solutions like acoustic panels and restricted play hours.
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