These cities are also affordable, with reasonable home prices, lower living costs, and a solid economy and mild climate. 

Families and retirees are attracted to these places because of their low crime rates and good schools. The availability of good restaurants, college or professional sports, and international musical acts also contributes to the growth of these cities.

All but one of these cities have populations under 200,000, and only one has more than 500,000. These towns' standard outdoor recreation amenities are woods, trails, and water.  

 

Fort Myers, Florida

 

Florida is a popular choice for Americans looking for a place to live. According to recent statistics, the Sunshine State had the highest percentage of population growth in 2022, reaching 1.9%. People are particularly interested in southwest Florida, where two of the top three fastest-growing cities in the country are located. Additionally, two more cities are a short drive away.

What attracts people to Fort Myers, Florida? First, the year-round warm weather, like the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the sugar sand beaches, is a significant draw. Plenty of outdoor activities keep young and old busy, such as paddling, fishing, and seashell hunting. 

Fort Myers also boasts a lively arts scene, excellent restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and beautiful parks. As of June 2023, the median home sold price is $361,130. However, the southwest Florida region's growing GDP is attracting business and investment, which is expected to sustain the area's growth.

St. George, Utah

 

Utah has experienced the fastest population growth (nearly 24%) compared to other states since 2010, primarily due to the popularity of the charming town of St. George in the southwest. 

St. George's location between the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert makes it an ideal starting point for those who want to explore some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Within a short drive from the town, residents and visitors can marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the Grand Canyon. 

Activities like rock climbing, canyoneering, hiking, and biking are plentiful, and the region has several luxurious spas. The town is family-friendly and boasts an excellent dining and arts scene, including an entire season of the Southwest Symphony. With a mild desert climate that brings little rainfall, the summers are hot, and the winters are mild.

 

Cape Coral, Florida

 

Cape Coral, known as the "Waterfront Wonderland," is leading Florida's population growth. It is located at the convergence of the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. It boasts over 400 miles of canals, making it the world's highest canal count. 

Cape Coral's boaters have easy access to Sanibel, Pine, and Cayo Costa coastal islands in the Gulf of Mexico and excellent sport fishing opportunities. Additionally, the city offers many wetlands and nature preserves for kayaking and birdwatching enthusiasts. 

Cape Coral has a thriving economy, with a growth rate of 9% and a youthful population. With ample buildable land, the city's population is expected to double to 400,000 soon.

Round Rock, Texas

 

Texas has experienced a significant increase in population over the past few decades, with the period between 2010 and 2023 seeing the state rank third in terms of population growth among all 50 states. 

In recent times, Round Rock has emerged as the fastest-growing city in Texas, surpassing even Austin. Despite being an independent entity, Round Rock benefits significantly from its proximity to the state capital, which is home to the University of Texas. 

The city has recorded the highest GDP growth metric of any city on our list, thanks in part to the presence of PC manufacturer Dell Corporation. The local economy has seen significant gains, with over 16,000 people employed at its headquarters and support for tens of thousands more throughout Texas. 

Round Rock is unique in that it boasts its own historic downtown, complete with shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also home to popular shopping destinations such as an IKEA store and the 120-store Round Rock Premium Outlets.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

 

Murfreesboro, a city in Tennessee, has been experiencing rapid growth over the past 30 years. The town is home to Middle Tennessee State, the state's largest undergraduate university. 

While Murfreesboro has its unique identity, it's only a 30-minute drive from Nashville, adding to its allure. Nashville is a dynamic and fast-growing metroplex with a fantastic entertainment scene. 

Civic life in Murfreesboro revolves around The Square on Main Street, where Friday Night Live parties and the annual Jazz Fest occur. The Donut Country and Just Love Coffee shops are popular morning destinations.

 

Bend, Oregon

 

Bend, a town in central Oregon, boasts of being one of only three American cities with an extinct volcano within its city limits. The town is beautiful to outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers, paddlers, and mountain bikers, as it is located in a high desert region just east of the Cascade Mountains. 

Bend's economy dramatically benefits from tourism, thanks to popular attractions like the Mount Bachelor ski area and the Cascade Lakes, which draw active visitors from the surrounding region. Bend gained national attention in 2019 as the last home of the Blockbuster Video store, which still stands today. 

The city maintains a vibrant civic life with weekly arts and music events and annual festivals like Oregon WinterFest, Bend Summer Festival, and Balloons Over Bend.

 

Concord, North Carolina

 

Concord, a city with a strong affinity for cars and racing, particularly NASCAR, is an excellent destination. It boasts of the renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway, which holds numerous automobile and racing events throughout the year, culminating in two of NASCAR's most prominent races: spring and fall. 

One of the fantastic things about Concord is that it has a unique identity. It's conveniently located just a quick drive away from Charlotte, which provides an array of amenities and attractions, including professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. 

Concord's vibrant downtown area is home to many shops, galleries, dining options, and live music venues like the Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, the Kodiak, and Lil' Robert's Place. Concord offers exciting attractions for families with kids, such as the SEA LIFE aquarium and the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, making it a growing and family-friendly city.

 

Reno, Nevada

 

Nevada has experienced significant growth since 2010, making it the fifth fastest-growing state in America. As a result, Reno has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. 

Known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno has a reputation for being a smaller version of Las Vegas. However, its proximity to Lake Tahoe in northern California gives it a more relaxed and outdoor-oriented atmosphere. 

While entertainment options abound, including gambling at the local casinos (it is Nevada, after all), visitors can also explore the Black Rock Desert, bike the 14-mile Flume Trail, and unwind in a spa located near the breathtaking Lake Tahoe. 

Additionally, Reno is attracting more and more tech companies, leading to significant economic growth and new job opportunities. All in all, Reno is a city that is steadily on the rise.

 

Cary, North Carolina

 

Cary is a highly desirable city in the United States' thriving economic and cultural region. It is situated in a state with a rapidly growing population and was recently ranked fifth in Money magazine's list of Best Places to Live in America. 

Located next to Raleigh and Durham, Cary is home to North America's most prominent research park, which provides over 50,000 jobs. Most adults in Cary hold a bachelor's degree, and the average household income far exceeds the state average. 

The city is renowned for its well-maintained neighborhoods, which are lined with trees and have a reputation for being extremely safe. Cary is a lively and family-friendly town, with 30 public parks and an 80-mile greenway network that crisscrosses the city. 

Additionally, Cary's central location in North Carolina means that residents can easily access the state's diverse natural beauty, with the beaches of the Outer Banks and the ski resorts near Boone only a three-hour drive away.

 

Tampa, Florida

 

Tampa, along with its sister city, St. Petersburg, is a rapidly growing metropolitan area with a population of over 3 million, making it the second-largest city on our list of fastest-growing cities in the United States. 

Known as the "Suncoast" due to its many days of sunshine, the region boasts over 150 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. Although other Florida cities like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are popular tourist destinations, Tampa is a unique community where people work and live. 

Nevertheless, tourists also flock to Tampa to experience its many attractions, including the 335-acre Busch Gardens, which is a zoo and zoo-themed amusement park with thrilling rides, consistently ranked among the top five amusement parks in the U.S. Tampa's downtown is vibrant and growing, with new skyscrapers alongside beautifully restored century-old architecture. 

The Tampa Riverwalk offers a lively scene with bars, shopping, and dining options. Tampa is one of the hottest destinations in Florida, which is rapidly growing.

 

Mesa, Arizona

 

Mesa is a city located in the Sonoran Desert, situated just east of Phoenix, and is considered a part of the Phoenix metroplex. It is currently the 36th-largest city in America and the largest among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. 

Mesa attracts new residents from various walks of life, especially retirees, drawn to the warm, dry climate, outdoor activities like golf and hiking, and world-class healthcare. They can enjoy all the amenities of Phoenix while living in a suburban community. 

Every year, thousands of baseball fans visit Mesa for six weeks to watch the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s spring training games. Downtown Mesa has a unique character despite its proximity to Phoenix. The beautiful Mesa Arts Center campus has four theaters, five galleries, and 14 art studios. 

The Mesa Amphitheater nearby, with its 5,000-person tiered lawn, hosts open-air concerts from national touring acts all year round.

 

Chandler, Arizona

 

Chandler may be a part of the greater Phoenix metroplex. Still, it stands out as a unique community with a suburban vibe. As a rapidly growing city with a booming economy, Chandler attracts professionals in various fields such as technology, research and development, health care, and financial services. 

Retirees also find this place appealing due to its warm and dry climate all year round, not to mention the world-class healthcare and access to excellent golf courses. For those who seek more amenities, Phoenix is just a short drive away and offers an international airport, major colleges, and professional sports. 

With 300 days of sunshine annually, outdoor activities are always an option, from hiking in the Sonoran Desert, taking a hot-air balloon ride, or enjoying the nearby Saguaro Lake reservoir. The city also boasts several museums, including the fascinating Arizona Railway Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum.

Bottom Line

Most of the fastest-growing cities in America have populations of less than 200,000 on purpose. In the 20th century, people concentrated in large cities because of job opportunities and industrial growth. Still, in the 21st century, people spread across the country, especially in the southern and western regions. These areas have varied economies, lower living costs, affordable housing, and a pleasant climate.