15 Fastest-Growing American Cities That Are Feeling the Urban Surge
Does it feel like people are moving to your city in droves, clogging up highways and making wait times longer at grocery stores? If so, you might not be surprised if you see your city on this list of the fastest-growing places in the U.S.
U.S. News & World Report determined the fastest-growing places in America between 2023 and 2024 based on calculating the net migration of metro areas. They then calculated the percent increase to determine which metro areas receive the largest influx of people.
So, if you’re thinking about moving and aren’t a fan of congestion and crowds, you may want to avoid these cities.
1: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A relatively low cost of living is undoubtedly one of the reasons more people are moving to Myrtle Beach than any other metro area. The city’s median monthly rent is $1,040, which feels like a steal compared to cities like San Diego and Seattle.
Residents of Myrtle Beach have access to two state parks, where hiking and biking trails are abundant. Beach visits are also a favorite pastime, and retirees who move to the city can spend their days fishing, golfing, and soaking up the sun.
2: Sarasota, Florida
Spoiler alert: Sarasota isn’t the only fastest-growing Florida city in the U.S. So, its ranking as the fastest-growing city in Florida makes it all the more meaningful.
Sarasota’s coastal location and lively arts scene make it a beloved place among residents, tourists, and retirees. In fact, it’s so beloved that people are willing to spend more money for Sarasota’s higher average rental prices than nearby cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa.
3: Fort Myers, Florida
Keep your sunglasses out, for Fort Myers is another Gulf Coast city with a fast-growing population. Fort Myers is no stranger to growth; its population increased by nearly 40% between 2010 and 2020.
The City of Palms is a gateway to Sanibel Island, a destination known for its abundance of seashells. People wanting a break from the beach can head to the River District, where the Arcade Theatre and many restaurants and bars await.
4: Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is one of a few inland destinations on this list. But that doesn’t mean it’s short on water; 38 lakes are packed into its city boundaries.
Americans of working age may appreciate Lakeland for its younger population compared to the other cities we’ve covered so far. The median age is 40.1 years old. Many families choose to raise their children in Lakeland, for it doesn’t have a large bar scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful.
5: Port St. Lucie, Florida
The secret’s out: Port St. Lucie offers a more relaxed environment for people who want easy access to major metropolitan areas like Miami and Orlando. You’ll need to shell out many pretty pennies, though. The median home price in Port St. Lucie is $429,104.
Port St. Lucie is a favorite among people who enjoy fishing, as it sits on both the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean. New York Mets fans wanting to escape the cold will be pleased that Port St. Lucie hosts their spring training every year.
6: Boise, Idaho
If you didn’t have Boise pictured as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., you’re among the many Americans who don’t keep up on Boise’s happenings. But that could soon be changing. Residents have long known that Eagle and Treasure Valley are particularly popular areas among newcomers.
New construction abounds in Boise, but nature lovers have options. Boise offers easy access to outdoor activities in the mountains, rivers, canyons, deserts, and lakes.
7: Ocala, Florida
Move over, Lexington; horse and non-horse lovers alike are choosing to move to Ocala. It’s easy to see why, given Ocala’s single-family homes are below the national average. Rent is, too, with a median monthly rent of only $993.
Ocala’s historic downtown boasts colorful Victorian-era homes and a city square where you can load up on delicious food. Visitors and residents alike also love visiting Silver Springs State Park, where millions of gallons of water each day are naturally produced.
8: Daytona Beach, Florida
U.S. News & World Report ranks Daytona as the eighth-best place to retire in the U.S. So, it makes sense that it’s also one of the fastest-growing cities.
But Daytona isn’t only for retirees; its median age is 47.5 years old, and its Main Street is a hopping place in the evenings, filled with bars and nightclubs. With the Daytona International Speedway attracting NASCAR fans, it’s easy to see how this city turns visitors into residents.
9: Naples, Florida
Naples’ high cost of living compared to many other cities in Florida doesn’t deter people from wanting to move there and enjoy coastal living. As of 2022, the average housing cost in Naples was $823,196 compared to the national average of $383,883.
Golf courses, white sand beaches, and year-round warm weather are some of the many things that attract new Naples residents. It has a notoriously older demographic, making it easier for retirees to make friends of a similar age when they move there.
10: Salisbury, Maryland
People who love the change of seasons but want to move to a growing city may choose Salisbury. It’s also a great city for people looking for a younger vibe, for Salisbury University attracts thousands of students each year.
While the average single-family home in Salisbury is lower than the national average, the average home price in the Salisbury metro area is slightly higher.
11: Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is the last Florida city we’ll cover here. This popular Space Coast city offers its residents the option to enjoy free satellite launch sightings from the comfort of their homes.
Although gas and groceries are on the high side in Melbourne, median home prices are lower, at $217,400. Nevertheless, the average median monthly rent is higher than some cities on this list ($1,185).
12: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Spartanburg is the second South Carolina city to make this list. The low cost of living in Spartanburg is undoubtedly one of the reasons it’s been attracting so many new residents. The average home cost is $266,797 compared to the national average of $383,883.
Residents of Spartanburg love their pets, which is reflected in the many restaurants that welcome dogs. Spartanburg is well-designed for bicyclists, and the city claims fame to being home to the Denny’s restaurant chain.
13: Austin, Texas
It appears people like Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” mentality, for it has a high rate of people moving there. Austin has a young vibe that matches the technology-based and other commercial highrises that are being constructed in its downtown area. The city’s median age is 35.3 years old.
Like Florida, Texas doesn’t have a personal income tax, allowing Austin residents to send less money to the government. However, the median home price there is a heafty $566,144, and monthly rent sits at an average of $1,398.
14: Huntsville, Alabama
People appear to be finding out that Huntsville is a steal for what it offers, based on its high net migration rate. The highly educated city prides itself on its history of space exploration and its NASA center. Meanwhile, the median monthly rent hovers just over $900.
Huntsville is loaded with history, and they turned an old cotton mill into a popular arts center. Once you visit Huntsville, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
15: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville rounds out this list of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which its residents may see as a positive or negative, depending on who you ask. The median age in Fayetteville is only 34.4 years old, and with major businesses like Tyson and Walmart being major employers, many people move there for job opportunities. In fact, Walmart was founded there.
Prices seem high in Fayetteville for people moving there from many other parts of Arkansas. However, the city is still relatively affordable from a national perspective compared to other major metro areas.
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