Best States For Backyard Parties And BBQs

Key Takeaways

• A recent study analyzed US states to determine the best locations for hosting backyard gatherings, considering factors such as yard sizes, pool availability, weather, and barbecue costs.
• Florida is the top state for backyard parties, excelling in pool availability with 1.6 million residential pools and favorable weather conditions.
• California comes second with the highest annual sunlight at 5,050 kJ/m².
• South Carolina offers the lowest average cost of a 10-person backyard barbecue at $117.

Out research analyzed US states to determine the best locations for backyard parties. Yard size was calculated by analyzing the average lot size and subtracting the average house size, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2020) and a proprietary dataset that included local and federal government data. The cost of a backyard barbecue includes prices for common items such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, beverages, sides, pizzas, and paper goods, using current market prices. Residential pool availability, annual sunlight, and average temperature data were also considered in the ranking. Each factor was weighted and combined to form a composite score, determining the overall ranking of the states.

Data By State For Backyard Parties

Florida is the best state to organize backyard parties with a composite score of 0.717. Florida excels due to its high number of residential pools, 1.6 million, with only 14 people per pool, making it highly accessible for pool parties. The state enjoys adequate sunlight, 4,859 kJ/m² annually, and a warm average temperature of 21.5°C, creating ideal conditions for outdoor events. Additionally, the cost of a backyard barbecue is moderate at 124 dollars.

California ranks 2nd with a composite score of 0.704. Despite a higher cost for backyard barbecues at $128, California’s large number of residential pools, 1.3 million, and the highest annual sunlight, 5,050 kJ/m², make it an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings. The state does have a higher ratio of people per pool, 29, compared to Florida, slightly reducing accessibility.

Texas comes 3rd on the list with a total score of 0.661. Texas offers the largest yard sizes among the top states, 14,876 square feet, and a high annual sunlight level, 5,137 kJ/m². While the number of pools and people per pool are not as favorable as Florida and California, the moderate barbecue cost and warm average temperature contribute to its high ranking.

Arizona is the 4th best state to host an outdoor party with a composite score of 0.596. Arizona is notable for its extensive yard sizes, 17,953 square feet, and high annual sunlight, 5,755 kJ/m², making it ideal for sunny outdoor parties. The state also has a favorable people-per-pool ratio, of 13, and a reasonable barbecue cost, of $122.

New Mexico ranks 5th with a composite score of 0.506.  It is an excellent location for spacious backyard gatherings, thanks to its large yard sizes totaling 20,764. The state also benefits from a favorable people-per-pool ratio and a moderate number of pools. Additionally, the average barbecue cost, $125, is reasonable, making it an attractive option for outdoor events.

Georgia is the 6th state for outdoor parties at 0.493. The state features large yard sizes, 19,640 square feet, and a moderate cost for barbecues, $122. With ample sunlight, 4,661 kJ/m², and a warm average temperature of 17.5°C, Georgia is a great choice for outdoor events. Additionally, the state's favorable climate and spacious yards make it an appealing option for backyard gatherings.

Oklahoma comes 7th for outdoor events with a composite score of 0.485. Oklahoma's expansive yard sizes, 28,343 square feet, are the second-largest among the top ten, and its moderate barbecue cost, $121, are significant advantages. The state enjoys ample sunlight, 4,912 kJ/m², and a comfortable average temperature, 15.3°C. 

South Carolina ranks 8th with a total score of 0.484. The state offers the lowest barbecue cost among all states, $116 dollars. The state also enjoys ample sunlight, 4,624 kJ/m², and a warm average temperature, 16.9°C. The combination of these factors makes South Carolina an excellent place for outdoor parties and backyard gatherings.

Alabama comes 9th on the list of top states for outdoor gatherings with a composite score of 0.475. Alabama has the largest yard size among the top ten states at 29,245 square feet, paired with ample sunlight at 4,660 kJ/m², making it perfect for outdoor parties. With a moderate barbecue cost of $124 and a warm average temperature of 17.1°C, Alabama is an excellent choice for backyard gatherings. 

Nevada is the 10th state with a composite score of 0.461. Nevada's ample sunlight, 5,296 kJ/m², and favorable people per pool ratio, 21, make it a great location for backyard parties.