The 35 Fastest Growing Cities in America

Sitting at the northern end of the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex, Frisco is booming. Low unemployment, high wages, a relatively low cost of living, and sunny weather are just some of the perks that are drawing thousands of new residents each year.

On average, 66 people move to San Antonio every day. Perhaps the rich history, lively River Walk, nice weather, big-city amenities and laid back vibe draw newcomers to the city.

The great outdoors aren't the only thing to love in this nature-lover’s paradise. In Bend, residents also enjoy countless coffee houses, microbreweries, and wineries. There are plentiful job opportunities, especially in the healthcare industry, and commuting around town is a piece of cake.

The self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is not only a great place to catch a show, it’s also a destination for breweries, coffee houses, food trucks, and all of the liveliness that has earned it the unofficial motto of “Keep Austin weird.”

This bustling southern city is home to many large tech companies, including Cisco, IBM, and Lenovo, which draw a large number of college-educated residents—significantly higher than the national average. But there’s also a growing music scene and lively nightlife, all of which can be thoroughly enjoyed by residents thanks to a reasonable cost of living.

Just like its desert climate, Phoenix’s growth is red hot. That’s partly because there are plenty of jobs here, and a fairly reasonable cost of living, but it’s also thanks to the growing arts district, plentiful shopping and fine dining, and more than 200 miles of designated hiking trails.

This planned suburban community in Southern California is home to Six Flags Magic Mountain, but residents of Santa Clarita also enjoy the easy access to nearby Los Angeles, plentiful shopping and restaurants, dry weather, and miles of trails and paseos for hiking and biking.

A suburb of Houston, Pearland shines in its own right. This is a family town, with a higher-than-average percentage of young families drawn by excellent schools, parks, kid-friendly entertainment, and safe neighborhoods. As a plus, the cost of living is fairly reasonable.

Although in general, the Midwest is not experiencing the population boom of the South and the West, Columbus is an exception. Young professionals are drawn here not just for the plentiful jobs and the reasonable cost of living, but also to enjoy the theaters, concerts, art and restaurant scene, and of course, the fierce enthusiasm for Ohio State University’s football team.

The winters might be cold, but residents of Fargo can stay warm inside one of the many excellent microbreweries, coffee shops, or bookstores. Many newcomers to this growing city moved here to work in healthcare, education, or food processing, but it’s also ranked as one of the best cities to start your own business.

The semi-tropical climate and miles of sandy beaches aren’t all Myrtle Beach has going for it. If you’re looking for a job in the tourism industry, this is the place to find it, and when not at work, you can enjoy the first-rate golf courses, plentiful restaurants and family-centered activities, and the beautiful weather.

Called “America’s Most Friendly City,” Charleston is noted for its southern hospitality, historical buildings, burgeoning arts scene, wonderful restaurants, and pleasant weather—aside from the hot and humid summers, that is. Many residents move here for jobs in the information technology industry, which has a large presence in the city.

If you’re looking for a job in the tech industry, Provo is an excellent destination, as the industry is in high gear here. But there’s more to life than work, and that’s why residents also love the city’s many museums, outdoor sports, and food truck scene.

With more than 400 miles of canals, boats are a big part of the Cape Coral way of life. Although many retirees call the city home, it also appeals to younger people who like the low cost of living, the outdoor-intensive lifestyle, and the low crime rate.

Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, Redwood City draws residents who want to work at Bay Area tech companies, but prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. While the cost of living here is very high, it’s a great place to live—if you can afford it.

Located 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney attracts residents who prefer a suburban pace of life, and want a short commute into the big city. McKinney has great schools, a fairly low cost of living, and is a welcoming place for families.

Another suburb of San Francisco with a booming economy but high cost of living, Pleasanton is home to the corporate headquarters of several major companies, including Safeway, The Cooper Companies, Thoratec, and Blackhawk Network. The thriving downtown is home to many restaurants and shops, as well as a busy farmer’s market.

Another Midwestern town experiencing fast growth, Ankeny is a suburb of Des Moines. Young professionals and families are drawn to the city’s good schools, low crime rate, reasonable cost of living, many parks and family-friendly activities.

This isn’t a city for those who prefer low altitudes: Castle Rock sits at 6,224 feet above sea level, meaning that there are plenty of mountain sports and activities to enjoy. Located about halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, most residents of this suburban town commute to the larger cities for work.

South of Nashville, Franklin was named one of the South’s prettiest towns by Southern Living. Along with a number of famous ghost tours, the town has a busy music festival scene, as well as wineries, breweries, and delicious eateries.

This affluent suburb of Atlanta is home to several big corporations, including IBM, UPS, and Cisco Systems. That means many good-paying jobs, but the cost of living here is high. Still, many families and young professionals appreciate the excellent schools, the many outdoor activities, and the family-friendly vibe.