Charleston, South Carolina Named USTA’s Best Tennis Town

The city of Charleston, S.C., was named the winner of the USTA’s “Best Tennis Town” in its second annual search, designed to identify and reward the American communities—from small, rural towns to large, urban metro areas and everywhere in between—that best exemplify the passion, excitement, spirit and impact that tennis brings to the local level.

Representatives from the top three vote-getting communities in contention for “Best Tennis Town”—Charleston, Atlanta, Ga., and Richmond, Va.—were all in attendance. The city of Atlanta, the first runner-up to Charleston, will take home $50,000 from the USTA for their local tennis programs, and second runner-up Richmond will receive $25,000.

Named as one of the nation’s top-10 best cities for strong infrastructure, attractive economy and savvy urban planning last year by Forbes Magazine, the city has more than 13,000 local tennis players who take to the courts every year, including more than 7,500 who play USTA League tennis. In addition, the city houses more than 580 tennis courts within its 485 square mile radius, and is home to the annual Family Circle Cup women’s pro event.

In addition to Charleston, S.C., Atlanta, Ga., and Richmond, Va., the other seven towns selected as finalists received an honorable mention and $2,000 worth of tennis equipment: Beaverton, Ore.; Clearwater, Fla.; Delray Beach, Fla.; Manchester Center, Vt.; Rome, Ga.; Rosemount, Minn.; and Snow Hill, N.C