If you are a professional sports buff particularly a professional basketball buff then one of the things that you might consider in picking a place to retire at is the game of basketball played played there, or if it has a professional basketball team. That can surprisingly, really narrow down your choices. While some people might think that that’s a shallow quality to use in picking a location to live in, those who understand the passion and the love for a good basketball game will be able to understand. So to help you out, we have listed here five of the best basketball cities to live in America.
1. Los Angeles
The main reason for picking L.A. for this list is because of the Lakers and their fans. They have been really loyal throughout the long years of the franchise’s storied history. The Laker’s was also the home of some of the greatest basketball players of all time like Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They are also one of the most winningest teams in the history of the NBA. Another reason why Los Angeles is such a great place for basketball is because it has another professional basketball team. The Clippers also call Los Angeles their home and they have been gaining a good fan base in recent years. So with LA you get 2 great basketball teams for the price of one!
2. New York
Considered to be the Mecca of basketball, their professional team the Knicks has a very solid fan base. Despite the fact that the history of the Knicks is not that great, New Yorkers still root for their team like it’s the best in the world. Their home court the Madison Square Garden is also one of the most historic basketball playing arenas in the world. Another reason for New York making the list is the planned move of the franchise of the current New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn once the new stadium there gets completed.
3. Chicago
One name is enough to explain why Chicago is included in the list: Jordan. Even after several years have passed since his retirement, the influence of Michael Jordan on the sport of basketball is still very much alive. The greatest player in the history of the sport has done much not just to promote the Chicago Bulls, or the NBA, but basketball in general. Thanks to the great feats that he was able to achieve during his years with the Bulls the NBA was able to reach its banner years during his tenure.
4. Boston
Home to the Boston Celtics perennial rival of the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is one of the most winningest in the history of the NBA and the Boston fans never forget that and neither do they forget to remind their team’s opponent during a game. Boston fans are some of the most loyal and rabid you’ll find in America.
5. San Antonio
Although the Spurs are not as popular as the other franchises that are included in this list they do have a long history and tradition. Their recent success has also brought them into the spotlight in the past few years. The climate in San Antonio is great and if you’re looking to suppor the underdogs, then this is your town.
Those are my 5 top picks for the best basketball cities to live in America. Do you agree or disagree? I’d love to hear your thoughts.