These 10 Hot Suburbs Are Growing Fast

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Looking for a bit of small-town life with access to city-sized amenities? There’s a reason why so many people are moving to the suburbs.

You might be surprised at how quickly some suburbs are growing. We consulted a 2018 National Association of Realtors (NAR) list of fastest-growing suburbs, which takes a look at factors such as population growth, housing appreciation, home listings and new construction.

We also gathered other data in some cases, using the latest information (when available) from the U.S. Census Bureau for population estimates, and we used housing value information from Zillow and other sources.

If you’re looking for a new place to settle, one of these hot suburbs might be a good choice.

Nolensville, Tennessee

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Metropolitan area: Nashville, Tennessee

Population as of July 2018: 9,012 — an increase of 51.1% since April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $437,600 — an increase of 3.4% over the past year

This charming small town outside Nashville is known for its historic district, which includes a number of small shops. There are also a number of trails and greenways, ideal for outdoor exercise and time in nature.

Waukee, Iowa

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Metropolitan area: Des Moines, Iowa

Population as of July 2018: 22,810 — an increase of 65.4% since April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $250,400 — an increase of 3.7% over the past year

Housing is booming in this town located outside Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. No longer a blue-collar industrial town, Waukee has become a middle-class haven of subdivisions filled with cul-de-sacs and new construction.

It’s easy to connect with other residents in Waukee with an event calendar on the city website showing things like toddler storytime, after school activities for teens and Food for Fines Month at the library (pay off a library fine with donations to stock the local food pantry).

Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado
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Metropolitan area: Denver

Population as of July 2018: 374,114 — an increase of 15.2 since April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $332,400— an increase of 3.6% over the past year

This suburb of Denver is Colorado’s third-largest city and offers quite a bit in its own right. From an award-winning theater to restaurants, museums and nature centers, there’s a lot to keep families busy. One local attraction is the Colorado Freedom Memorial (shown above), dedicated to Coloradans killed in all wars and all branches of service.

Aurora is home to Buckley Air Force Base, home of 460th Space Wing, whose mission is to defend the U.S. with air operations, surveillance of air space, space communications and operations and the space-based warning systems.

Manor, Texas

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Metropolitan area: Austin, Texas

Population as of July 2018: 11,173 — an increase of 130.8% since April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $218,200— an increase of 7% over the past year

Considered the “eastern frontier” of Austin, Manor has experienced such rapid recent growth that it’s become one of the state’s current boom towns.

Manor offers a number of amenities, including access to public transit into Austin. the state capital of Texas, through the Elgin Park & Ride and the Pickup, the public transit ride-hailing service that’s accessible through an app.

Arabi, Louisiana

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Metropolitan area: New Orleans

Population as of 2017: 4,319 — an increase of 18.8% since April 2010

Median home value: Arabi home values are not available. But the median 2018 listing price for Arabi homes was $249,700 — and selling prices have jumped 86.7% in three years, the NAR report says.

Arabi is one of the most historic places in St. Bernard Parish. The suburb is known for its residential architecture as well as amenities such as a planetarium, museum and children’s science center.

And, of course, Arabi is in close proximity to everything New Orleans has to offer.

Lakewood Ranch, Florida

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Metropolitan area: North Port, Florida

Population as of 2019: roughly 36,000, according to a community fact sheet.

Median home value as of October 2019: Not available. The NAR says, however, that the median price of home listings in 2018 was $427,000, and prices have risen 5.7% in three years.

Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community that spans about 31,000 acres and includes a working ranch in Sarasota County on Florida’s west coast. Nearly 40% of the land is reserved for recreation and open space. There are schools and golf courses, as well as shopping districts and restaurants.

The multi-generational community has been selected for a long-term study on brain health by Massachusetts General Hospital.

Scottdale, Georgia

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Metropolitan area: Atlanta

Population as of 2017: 10,217

Median home value as of October 2019: $182,800— an increase of 4.5% over the previous year

Scottdale, just outside Atlanta, has grown from a cotton mill town into a suburb that still has small-town charm. Beyond its classic bungalows, more recent, neo-Craftsman houses and even large homes with a farmhouse bent have sprung up.

One of the Atlanta area’s many PATH trails, a system of interlinking greenway trails for commuting or recreating, goes right through Scottdale, allowing bicyclists to access Stone Mountain and downtown Atlanta, offering the best of nature and city.

Frisco, Texas

Houses in Frisco, Texas
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Metropolitan area: Dallas

Population as of July 2018: 188,170 — an increase of 60.6% from April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $398,600 — a 1.1% rise from 2017

On the north side of the Dallas metro area, Frisco offers a number of amenities. There’s no need to go into Dallas for entertainment. Frisco has public art installations, a theater, parks, trails and athletic fields, an athletic center and more.

Since the new Toyota Motor North America headquarters opened in 2017 right next to the city, Frisco has seen a housing building spree to accommodate all the relocating employees, NAR notes.

Ponte Vedra, Florida

Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass golf course
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Metropolitan area: Jacksonville, Florida

Population as of 2017: 28,184 — an increase of 3.8% over April 2010

Median home value as of November 2019: $395,100— an increase of 2.6% from the year before

If you enjoy beach life or if you are a golfer, Ponte Vedra is a potential paradise. The PGA Tour is headquartered here, and The Players Championship is played at TPC Sawgrass. For those prefer water fun to water hazards, the community is part of the Jacksonville Beaches area along Florida’s eastern coast.

Other lures include 40-foot sand dunes and freshwater streams and lagoons. And, of course, there are shopping and dining opportunities in town.

Apex, North Carolina

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Metropolitan area: Raleigh, North Carolina

Population as of July 2018: 53,852 — an increase of 43.1% since April 2010

Median home value as of October 2019: $353,800 — an increase of 2.6% over the year before

Located near North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh, and nearby Research Triangle Park, Apex offers life without the hustle and bustle and higher home prices of the big city. In addition to a walkable downtown of shops, the city has a number of amenities, including a cultural arts center and special events and festivals throughout the year.

On top of that, Apex is known for its advancements in energy efficiency and has been honored for its efforts to advance solar energy growth.

Do any of these hot suburbs make you want to pack up and move? Tell us about it in a comment below or at Money Talks News on Facebook.

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