Better place for tennis- Denver CO vs Austin TX

[Avinj86]

Hi all- I'm a 4.5-ish player in mid 30s. I don't really play competitively anymore, but I do hit/rally almost every day. I currently live in SF and I have a large network of similar players- on any a given day I can probably find someone to hit with. There are also generally plenty of courts in the city, and the temperate weather affords year-round tennis.

My family is contemplating a move to either Denver or Austin. Our jobs give us flexibility on the area. I of course know that tennis will not be the driving factor in our decision, but would like to get as much info on this as possible.

I would like to be able to hit daily with a community of ~4.0-5.0 players and have easy access to courts.

What I've heard so far:

Austin
+Weather more amenable to year round tennis- fewer rain/snow-outs
- Even still, ridiculously hot/humid much of the year, and not sure how playable things are
- Not that many courts/facilities in the area (from what I have seen other posts on TT)

Denver
+More courts available across the city
- Winter season means snow and rain/snow outs
? Indoor court availability

Thoughts? Curious to get peoples' input!

 

[JLyon]

Austin has some great tennis at the 4.5+ level, plus tons of courts. In Texas in general most HS have courts as well. Plus weather will be better thru out the year versus snow during the Fall and Winter of Denver.
Austin con is the hot as hell summers

 

[denoted]

Austin is hot, but not especially humid.

 

[Rattler]

Yes, it’s hot in Central Texas, but if your properly hydrated, you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll adjust to it.

Austin had a vibrant, 4.0-4.5 Tennis scene. Plenty of players, and despite what you posted a very good court availability. More than a few clubs to join, if you’re so inclined.
It all depends on where you live.

Denver has an emerging tennis scene, the Parker Tennis Club has just opened in the last 3 years, and the pro there is excellent.

 

[FloridaAG]

I know a number of pros from Denver. Snows much less and os warmer in Denver than people think

 

[schmke]

I know a number of pros from Denver. Snows much less and os warmer in Denver than people think

Denver is prone to wild temperature swings. It could be 60s one day, a cold front moves through and it be a foot of snow a few days later, then back to 60s a few days after that. Golfers in/around Denver are known to get a round in every month of the year without too much effort, so while you can't guarantee that you'll be able to play tennis on a specific day in January, chances are pretty good there be a number of days you can play outside during the month.

 

[FloridaAG]

Yup that is what I meant. Not that it does not get cold but they have weird spring days in winter that people do not realize

 

[schmke]

FWIW, in 2019, Austin had nine 18+ 4.5 teams and four 5.0 teams for the men. 40+ had six 4.5+ teams.

Same year, Denver had five separate flights and 34 18+ 4.5 teams and three 5.0 flights with 17 teams. 40+ 4.5+ had three flights and 22 teams.

Not that USTA is _the_ indication of the number of players at a level, but Denver has significantly more 4.5/5.0 level teams than Austin.

 

[Purestriker]

Austin is hot, but not especially humid.

Yes, not humid in Austin. Brutally hot in the summer.

 

[atatu]

I have to say that it's true that there aren't enough public courts in Austin, but we have active leagues and good tournaments. If you have the resources to join a club, that's your best bet (Courtyard or Lost Creek) I think Denver is a great city, but I really don't like cold weather at all, so for me it's an easy choice.

 

[winchestervatennis]

Go with Denver. When the weather is bad head to the mountains for some awesome skiing.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Heading to the Denver area in a few weeks - Frisco, Vail, Boulder all along there.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

If you are making the decision solely on tennis, Denver wins all day long. In addition, Denver wins easily for other sports and outdoor activities. Austin is much trendier though, and it will have a better foodie restaurant and music scene.

 

[sammyp99]

@schmke I bet there are more registered players in Denver because you can't really travel or play outside of Denver. Austin is within 3 hours of San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and a bunch of cities around 100k population.

I think you'll get a higher level in the NTRP divisions in Austin. Also, the players are more concentrated (especially if you live in North Austin). I rarely have to drive more than 25 minutes to play a match.

 

[Avinj86]

If you are making the decision solely on tennis, Denver wins all day long. In addition, Denver wins easily for other sports and outdoor activities. Austin is much trendier though, and it will have a better foodie restaurant and music scene.

Curious as to why you think Denver wins all day long based on tennis alone? Is it the court availability? Other factors? I am hearing a general trend towards Denver but you had a strong perspective so curious to get detail

 

[denoted]

I think you would have far more playable days in Austin if you can handle the heat. If indoor availability in Denver isn't a problem, then maybe it doesn't matter.