Pickleball, Lifestyle Amenities & Why Today’s Buyers Are Thinking Beyond the Walls

By Legacy Moves FL – Central Florida Real Estate Insights

There’s a quiet shift happening in real estate and all across the country, buyers are focusing more on how a home supports the life they want to live.

One stat in Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report captured this shift perfectly:

Real estate listings that mention “pickleball courts” rose 25% year-over-year.
(Source: Zillow Home Trends Report via PR Newswire)

On the surface, it might sound like a quirky detail. But in reality, this uptick reveals something bigger:

Buyers aren’t just choosing a home. They’re choosing a lifestyle.

What Modern Buyers Are Really Looking For

Today’s homeowners want spaces and communities that enhance how they live day to day, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Here are some of the lifestyle amenities buyers are gravitating toward across Central Florida:

Recreation + Activity

• Proximity to pickleball courts, sports facilities, and fitness centers
• Walking paths, nature trails, and cycling routes
• Access to lakes, kayak launches, and fishing spots

Nature + Wellness

• Community gardens and scenic preserves
• Meditation areas, peaceful greenway networks, and quiet pockets of nature

‍Resort-Style Living

• Pools, cabanas, clubhouses, and well-maintained community centers

Pet-Friendly Features

• Dog parks, pet stations, and homes with fenced outdoor spaces

‍‍Family-Forward Amenities

• Playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, schools and community events

Tech + Convenience

• EV chargers
• Smart-home features
• Easily accessible dining, local markets, and entertainment districts

Buyers want connection, convenience, recreation, and a deeper sense of place.

Spotlight: Winter Springs – Where Lifestyle Shines

Right here in Seminole County, Winter Springs is a standout example of how lifestyle amenities strengthen a community’s appeal.

The city’s Central Winds Park Pickleball Complex features 14 tournament-level courts, ample seating, restrooms, and gathering spaces—making it one of the region’s top active-living draws.

City Reference:
https://www.winterspringsfl.org/parksrec/page/central-winds-pickleball-courts

But that’s just the beginning.

Winter Springs also offers:

• Extensive walking and running trails
• Nature preserves rich in local wildlife
• Lakes, boardwalks, and shaded waterfront areas
• Family-friendly parks and community festivals
• Quick access to Oviedo, Casselberry, and Winter Park’s food + arts scenes

It’s a city that blends serenity with activity, making it especially appealing for buyers looking to balance nature, recreation, and convenience.

What This Means for Sellers & Buyers in Central Florida

As buyers place more value on how a neighborhood supports their lifestyle, home marketing must follow suit.

For sellers and homeowners:
Highlighting the surrounding lifestyle perks, not just features inside the home, can dramatically boost visibility and appeal.

For buyers:
Understanding the lifestyle tapestry of a neighborhood helps you choose a home that truly aligns with how you want to live.

Real estate is shifting toward experience-based decision-making, and Central Florida is perfectly positioned to meet that demand.

Whether it’s a pickleball court, a quiet park, a community garden, or a nearby trail, the amenities around a home are influencing buyer decisions more than ever.

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Looking to sell, buy, rent or invest in Central Florida? Contact me to start your legacy move today.

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Dionne Aiken
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty
📍 Central Florida
legacymoves.com

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