{"id":30922,"date":"2023-06-09T05:56:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T12:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=30922"},"modified":"2023-06-09T12:25:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T19:25:18","slug":"fastest-growing-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/fastest-growing-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Fastest-Growing Cities in the U.S. and Their Median Home Values"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the pandemic, when many people were able to work from home, the housing market changed. Some experts predicted mass migrations to the suburbs as some people could now choose where to live<\/a> without that decision having to be tied to their jobs.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

While there was some exodus from the \u201cbig city,\u201d the general trend of urbanization continues. According to the U.S. Census Bureau<\/a>, in the ten-year period between 2010 and 2020, 312 of the 384 U.S. metro areas gained population.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Progressive urbanization has been around for as long as mankind. The Industrial Revolution sparked one of the world\u2019s biggest pushes to city life. In 1800, just 3% of the population lived in geographically centralized areas. By 2008, more than 50% of people<\/a> globally lived in urban settings.<\/p>\n

Urbanization continues today, for many of the same reasons it always has. This list will explain which 10 cities are currently experiencing the fastest growth and what recent trends are pushing their rapid population increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Save thousands when buying a home<\/h3>\n

HomeLight-recommended real estate agents are top-tier negotiators who understand the market data that helps you save as much as possible when buying your dream home.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find a top buyer's agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n

Trends that are fueling growth<\/h2>\n

Since the first cities appeared around 7500 BCE<\/a>, their growth has fluctuated. Some growth is internal, due to birth rates exceeding death rates<\/a>. However, a lot of the change in city size is due to migration whenever people discover more favorable sites.<\/p>\n

In the U.S. as elsewhere, drawn largely by job prospects \u2013 often for better pay \u2013 education opportunities, and a centralized market (or, today, access to commerce, resources and travel hubs<\/a>, such as port cities), people have gravitated away from this country\u2019s largely agricultural roots<\/a> to live in cities.<\/p>\n

While the list shifts from year to year, it\u2019s little surprise that the current top 10 fastest-growing cities are all located in the sunbelt<\/a> \u2013 the 15 continental states below 36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude. This area has a history of growth due to weather and affordability, the latter advantage of which has been ebbing away in recent years.<\/p>\n

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. But, there\u2019s more. We added some details about median home prices and life in each city to help you with your decision about selecting your next location.Top 10 fastest growing cities in the U.S.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

1. Frisco, Texas<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b>\u00a0236,604<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> Often ranked one of the safest cities in Texas (and the country), Frisco features family-friendly neighborhoods with affordable housing and good schools, as well as numerous parks for outdoor recreation. As part of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, it offers proximity to everything a big city can offer, such as the Dallas Museum of Art, but retains its small-town welcoming feel. Sometimes called the \u201cCity that Plays\u201d because it\u2019s home to several major league sports teams \u2013 including the Dallas Cowboys, it was also dubbed Tree City USA<\/a> by the National Arbor Day Foundation.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> Affordability, a superior education system, and the availability of jobs in diverse fields are driving the city\u2019s growth. Big corporations like FedEx, Toyota, and Keurig Dr Pepper hire lots of employees. In addition, the PGA is building its new headquarters in Frisco, complete with a 500-room hotel, convention center, and championship golf courses, which will provide employment opportunities. Mild winters and no state taxes contribute to the city\u2019s allure.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $153,704<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 37.1 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $643,488<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Frisco:<\/b> List in September, sell in December for 5.52% more gain<\/a><\/p>\n

See top agents in Frisco<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

2. Buckeye, Arizona<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 69,744<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> A western suburb of Phoenix in Maricopa County, Buckeye appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and campers. Mountains, golf clubs, an aquatic center, the Desert Botanical Garden, several state and national parks, and the Sonoran Desert National Monument are just a few nearby attractions. Despite its rapid growth, it retains a hometown feel. Life is quiet and affordable, with a low crime rate.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> Year-round warm weather draws the retirement crowd, but growing job opportunities at companies such as Banner Health, American Express, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo interest the working population. In addition, the CANAMEX Corridor, a series of highways linking Canada and Mexico, positions Buckeye as a distribution center, which adds more jobs.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $71,707<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 34.3 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $409,275<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Buckeye:<\/b> List in September, sell in December for 7.05% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Buckeye<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

3. Austin, Texas<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 2,176,000<\/a><\/p>\n

About: <\/b>The state\u2019s capital is home to the University of Texas, but is perhaps better known as the Live Music Capital of the World according to their motto, due to its eclectic live music scene featuring country, blues, and rock. Austin also offers many outdoor amenities in the form of lakes and parks conducive to hiking, biking, swimming, and boating, as well as art, culture, and motor racing at the nearby Circuit of the Americas<\/a>, which has hosted Formula One, IndyCar and other major series.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> An exodus of Californians and immigrants from India is giving rise to Austin\u2019s diversification. Strong recruitment efforts by tech giants such as Apple, Oracle, Facebook, and Tesla are off-setting rising house prices to attract people to this inland Texas city.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $71,576<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 33.3 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $655,862<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Austin:<\/b> List in September, sell in December for 7.35% more than the average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Austin<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

4. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 2,079,687<\/a><\/p>\n

About: <\/b>Raleigh\u2019s laid-back attitude belies its role as the North Carolina state capitol. Nicknamed the City of Oaks, the area features numerous parks, greenway trails, and, of course, oak trees. The bike-friendly home of Duke University and other institutions of higher education, it ranks as one of the most college-educated cities in the U.S. But residents know how to relax and have fun at its many restaurants and breweries. The city\u2019s museums and historic neighborhoods give a nod to its past, while its central east coast location makes travel convenient.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> Another tech hub, Raleigh-Durham features Research Triangle Park, a technological research park that\u2019s home to more than 200 big-name employers such as IBM, Cisco, GlaxoSmithKline, Nortel Networks, Sony Ericsson, and Lenovo, which together employ more than 50,000 people. The cost of living is less than in other tech towns. The area is also known for its schools and the fact that it has four seasons, although winters are mild.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $69,720<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 37.5 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $423,838<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Raleigh-Durham:<\/b> List in August, sell in November for 4.66% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Raleigh-Durham<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

5. Orlando, Florida<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 22 million<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> Many people are familiar with Orlando\u2019s numerous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. But it\u2019s also a nice place to live, thanks to its urban-suburban feel and the many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks it has to offer, as well as the fact that the cost of living is 5% lower than the national average.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> It\u2019s not all snowbirds. Orlando\u2019s influx of young, educated people from the Midwest and Northeast is powered by a strong job market \u2013 particularly in tourism, healthcare, education, finance, real estate, and the airlines \u2013 lower cost of living, top-ranked schools, and glorious weather.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $51,757<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 33.8 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $345,541<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Orlando:<\/b> List in August, sell in November for 4.1% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Orlando<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Find the Best Real Estate Agents Near You<\/h3>\n

It takes just two minutes to match you with the best real estate agents near your home. To connect with a top-performing agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you\u2019re looking to sell.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find an Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n

6. McKinney, Texas<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 182,055<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> An affluent Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, McKinney has been deemed one of the best places to live<\/a>, despite a higher-than-average cost of living. It offers historical heritage, above-average schools, music, parks, and other outdoor spaces, festivals and cultural arts, plus peaceful neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> McKinney\u2019s thriving business community includes a mix of industries, such as medical technology, data management, manufacturing, retail, defense, and aviation, including one of its biggest employers, Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems. The city has added several industrial and office parks in recent years and has attracted several tech start-ups, spurring employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $93,354<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 36.2 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $507,560<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in McKinney:<\/b> List in July, sell in October for 3.08% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in McKinney<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

7. Meridian, Idaho<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 101,905<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> Located in the southwest corner of the state, Meridian boasts low unemployment and crime rates. Affordable housing is abundant in the wide-open spaces of Idaho. Nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers enjoy opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, camping, and skiing. But it\u2019s not all rugged wild west out there. A lively downtown features a European-style outdoor shopping center and lots of restaurants and entertainment. For those who appreciate four seasons, this is one location beyond the sunbelt.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> Some come for their education at Idaho State University. Many use it as a bedroom community. Boise, just 20 minutes away, is the new tech start-up region, creating many jobs. Closer to home, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Idaho is a big employer.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $71,389<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 36.2 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $572,814<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Meridian:<\/b> List in August, sell in November for 5.78% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Meridian<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Matt Gush \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

8. Irvine, California<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 273,157<\/a><\/p>\n

About:<\/b> This master-planned city is a Los Angeles suburb in Orange County designed to accommodate growth. Just minutes from the beach, Irvine also features several golf courses and a wildlife sanctuary. It\u2019s home to the University of California Irvine. A low crime rate, good schools, diverse cuisine, loads of cultural activities, and a hopping nightlife make Irvine a fun yet safe place to live.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by: <\/b>Employment opportunities at big companies like Vizio, Taco Bell, and Broadcom help drive growth, as does being the U.S. headquarters of tech companies such as Samsung and Toshiba. In fact, more than one-third of all Fortune 500 companies are based in the city. Prices are high, but year-round warm weather and the California lifestyle are major attractions.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $111,574<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 33 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $1,208,725<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Irvine:<\/b> List in September, sell in December for 1.74% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Irvine<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

9. Charlotte, North Carolina<\/h3>\n

Population:<\/b> 857,425<\/a><\/p>\n

About: <\/b>Charlotte is a commercial hub with lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, as well as better-than-average schools. Just a short drive from both the Appalachian Mountains and the beach, Charlotte offers warm weather, Southern charm, affordability, and local culture. Home to pro sports teams in the NFL and NBA, the Queen city also features museums, parks, and a dynamic brewery scene. Large, established trees highlight older neighborhoods, with even the more cosmopolitan areas kept rigorously clean.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> As the biggest financial center outside of New York City, Charlotte has long hosted the corporate headquarters of Bank of America, Truist Financial, and the east coast headquarters of Wells Fargo. Charlotte Douglas International Airport<\/a> is a hub for American Airlines. Healthcare, logistics and distribution, and advanced manufacturing are booming industries in the area, but several energy companies now have headquarters there. While you experience all four seasons, winters are mild. Schools are exceptional, the cost of living is low, housing is affordable, and there are plenty of cultural and outdoor activities in this quaint city.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $65,359<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 34.2 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $367,231<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Charlotte:<\/b> List in March, sell in June for 5.66% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Charlotte<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

10. Murfreesboro, Tennessee<\/h3>\n

Population: <\/b>136,366<\/a><\/p>\n

About: <\/b>Less than 40 miles from Nashville, Murfreesboro is known for its Civil War history, with landmarks such as Stones River National Battlefield<\/a> and Stones River Cemetery<\/a>. Additional history can be found in Oaklands Mansion, a former plantation house with an arboretum and gardens, and Cannonsburgh Village. Time <\/i>magazine calls it quaint, possibly because of its Southern charm or agricultural roots. It offers good schools, greenways, and parks, historic farms, while other natural and historical sites beckon.<\/p>\n

Growth fueled by:<\/b> Nearby Nashville is seeing an increase in start-ups, leading to employment opportunities for this bedroom community. Low taxes and corporate relocations are bringing new people to the area. Healthcare is the biggest industry in the region, but a Nissan plant also employs a lot of people.<\/p>\n

Median household income:<\/b> $80,344<\/a><\/p>\n

Median age:<\/b> 30.4 years<\/a><\/p>\n

Median home value:<\/b> $396,999<\/a><\/p>\n

Best time to sell a home in Murfreesboro:<\/b> List in August, sell in November for 6.16% more than the yearly average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See top agents in Murfreesboro<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Good cities for first-time homebuyers<\/h2>\n

About one in eight jobs offers a work-from-home option, lifting some of the established restrictions for where workers must live. This opens up opportunities for workers to live near family or in more affordable locations.<\/p>\n

But no matter where you go, homes are more expensive than they used to be. It can be difficult for first-time homebuyers in particular. Fortunately, several cities still have median home prices under $200,000. Here are a few of them, with their median home prices:<\/p>\n