A thriving job market, great schools, and a bright future – these are the ingredients of the perfect city. Problem is, this ensemble comes at a hefty price.
For most of us, moving to the world’s most sought-after metros – from San Francisco on the West Coast to New York City on the East – is simply not an option. Housing, transportation, and food prices in these cities rise exponentially every year, and a regular influx of new talented workers from around the world is a constant threat to your job security.
However, you can still enjoy the benefits of a flourishing metropolis without breaking the bank. All you need is a little foresight, and this handy list of the three fastest growing cities in the U.S. It’s time to start planning your move.
1. Mt. Juliet, TN
Sandwiched between two man-made reservoirs, the “city between the lakes” has become known as one of Tennessee’s thriving boom towns. Mt. Juliet, which is just a 25-minute drive from Nashville, climbed the ranks of Realtor Magazine’s countdown of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. after a surge in new home construction, household growth, and job creation saw an influx of new residents.
Speaking to the newspaper, City Commissioner Ray Justice said that a low tax rate, good schools, successful youth sports programs and proximity to Nashville were among the biggest factors driving growth in the city. And a 134-home development – the first of its kind approved by the city in the past two years – will go a long way toward driving further population growth.
2. New Orleans, LA
Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, destroying thousands of homes and leaving just as many families destitute and with nowhere to go. This was in 2005, when coursing waters washed away the thriving city’s prosperous future.
It prompted a mass exodus as families – and employers – fled to nearby states in the hopes of building new lives, new businesses and recouping their losses. But over a decade later, the city is one of the fastest growing in the country.
Behind the curtain of this sudden projected spike are a series of enormous industrial projects set to revitalize the job market in New Orleans. These industrial announcements will help the city’s metro area add more than 12,000 new jobs over the next two years.
Factor in the area’s relatively cheap cost of living, affordable housing market, and expansions in the healthcare sector, and it’s clear to see why New Orleans is turning into a tempting destination for families and young professionals looking to settle in a new city.
3. Sumter, SC
Quaint urban roads, tranquil gardens and a temperate climate have cemented Sumter’s reputation as a top tourism destination. However, job growth in the state – and the city – will see many visitors returning as residents.
Sumter’s economy is set to snowball over the next decade with area’s job market growing by over 35%. In 2017, South Carolina’s financial activities sector – which includes finance, insurance, and real estate – had experienced the biggest surge in new positions.
But it won’t just be a strong job market galvanizing future residents to make the move. Sumter is centrally located just a 90-minute drive from the coast and three hours from the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The city serves up a unique opportunity of offering access to a thriving, big-city job market with coveted holiday destinations just a stone’s throw away.