Which States Have the Best Backyards in America? These Photos Set the Record Straight

We’re at the height of summer barbecue season, and it seems like just about everyone is outside grilling burgers, floating in pools, sipping frosty drinks, and hanging out with family and friends.

But where is this revelry at its finest? And which states do backyard bashes best?

That’s the question posed by Backyard Oasis, a website that helps homeowners make the best of their outdoor spaces. The company decided to analyze the best locations for hosting backyard gatherings, based on factors such as yard size, pools, and weather—and even the prices of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and paper goods to identify the cost of an all-frills barbecue.

Some of the states in the top five weren’t surprising: Florida, California and Texas, for example, are givens. But how did Arizona and New Mexico slip in there?

“Summertime means sunshine and barbecues across the U.S., but some areas are more equipped to host than others,” says Realtor.com economist Hannah Jones. “Homeowners in states with seemingly endless sunshine and moderate-to-warm temps year-round might get extra bang for their buck investing in a swimming pool or other backyard amenities. Hot and humid days in Florida make a swimming pool a nearly necessary amenity for backyard hosting. In California, sunshine and pleasant temps make hosting outdoors a breeze.”

Here are the top five states with the best backyards for a party, plus property listings with some of the best and most beautiful outdoor spaces.

1. Florida

Florida excels due to its staggering number of residential pools—1.6 million, with only 14 people per pool—making it highly accessible for splashy parties. The state enjoys a great deal of sunlight annually and a warm average temperature of 70.7 degrees, creating ideal conditions for outdoor events. Additionally, the cost of a backyard barbecue is a moderate at $124.

The backyard in the $21 million Sarasota mansion below embodies all those factors and much more. Set in a gated peninsula on Siesta Key, this home’s backyard is sublime, with a sunken fire pit lounge within an infinity pool that overlooks Roberts Bay.

In addition, there’s a swim-up pool bar, a dining pavilion with a living plant wall; an outdoor living room with a fireplace, spa and open-air kitchen; plus a koi pond that runs nearly the entire length of the home, with built-in footbridges. Now that’s a party paradise!

2. California

Despite a higher cost for backyard barbecues at $128, California’s 1.3 million residential pools and the country’s highest amount of annual sunlight make it an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings. The state does have a higher ratio of people per pool—29—compared to Florida, and that’s what puts it in second place.

Below is a spectacularly lavish, $69 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills that has a “floating” backyard with glittering views of L.A. and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Note the white-sand volleyball court, the multiple living garden walls, and the four cozy fire pits nestled between bespoke Brazilian swings.

This unparalleled backyard also features an 18-foot-long sunken fire pit encased in travertine stone; a nearly 100-foot, curved, infinity-edge pool; and a 30-person whirlpool spa.

3. Texas

The Lone Star State offers the largest yard sizes, averaging 14,876 square feet. Texas also has a high annual sunlight level. While the number of pools and people per pool are not as favorable as Florida and California, the moderate barbecue cost and warm average temperatures contribute to its top-five ranking.

This Palladian neoclassical, $40 million estate on 3.3 acres, below, has a more formal backyard, but who says elegance can’t be fun? Especially with luxe amenities such as meticulously manicured gardens, a bilevel pool, a beautiful pool house with an open kitchen, a barbecue area and outdoor dining facilities, a tennis court, putting green, giant koi pond, and a sculpture garden.

4. Arizona

Arizona is notable for its expansive yards that average a whopping 17,953 square feet and also for its abundant annual sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor parties. The state also has a favorable people-per-pool ratio of 13 and a reasonable barbecue cost of $122.

It’s no surprise that you’d find one of the best backyards in Arizona situated in one of Scottsdale’s fanciest country club communities. This $15.5 million estate sprawls over 3.41 acres and feels more like a resort than a private residence.

The backyard is massive, and every bit of it is intentionally landscaped. You’ll also find a spacious covered patio with ceiling fans and heaters, a bar, multiple dining tables, and an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue. Plus, there’s an infinity pool with fountains and multiple lounge areas, a spa, multiple fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, all with views of the beautiful desert mountains.

5. New Mexico

New Mexico is an excellent location for spacious backyard gatherings, thanks to its sprawling yards, which average 20,764 square feet. The state also benefits from a favorable people-per-pool ratio and a moderate number of pools. Additionally, the $125 average barbecue cost is reasonable, making New Mexico an attractive option for outdoor events.

In true hacienda style, most of the “backyard” spaces in this Mediterranean-design, $3.75 million estate are inside stately courtyards, surrounded by arches and Cantera stone columns, exuding Old World charm.

But the 2.5-acre grounds also include manicured gardens, rolling lawns, trickling fountains, and fire-pit seating areas. We love the pool, spa, and bar surrounding the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with all of the necessary appliances—including a large barbecue.