As living costs soar in major cities, more Americans are seeking space, affordability, and a better quality of life in the suburbs. Remote work, new job hubs, and rising home prices in urban centers have all fueled this shift. Many suburbs are evolving fast, with new housing, better schools, and growing infrastructure.
A recent GOBankingRates analysis highlighted U.S. communities whose populations grew by 9% or more between 2020 and 2022. These suburbs offer a glimpse into how Americans are rethinking where and how they want to live.
Brockton, Massachusetts
Population Growth: 9.37% | Home Value: $497,572
Brockton, south of Boston, offers a more affordable alternative, with commuter rail access into the city. The town blends old and new, with Victorian homes and modern apartments. Cultural spots like the Fuller Craft Museum and the Brockton Fair add to its charm.
School overcrowding and aging infrastructure are growing concerns. The city has secured funding to upgrade facilities and expand school capacity in response to rising demand.
Round Rock, Texas
Population Growth: 9.7% | Home Value: $429,500
Round Rock sits just north of Austin and is home to Dell Technologies. Families enjoy Old Settlers Park and shopping at Round Rock Premium Outlets. The area is popular with tech workers and offers strong schools like Round Rock High.
Rising home prices challenge first-time buyers, and traffic on I-35 remains a major issue. To ease congestion, local officials have launched road expansion projects and improved public transportation options.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Population Growth: 9.8% | Home Value: $423,600
Murfreesboro blends college-town energy with deep historical roots. It is home to Middle Tennessee State University and the Stones River National Battlefield. Families enjoy shopping at The Avenue and relaxing at Gateway Island.
Jobs in healthcare and education drive much of the area’s growth. As the city expands, traffic and school crowding have become growing concerns.
New Braunfels, Texas
Population Growth: 9.89% | Home Value: $361,132
New Braunfels, between Austin and San Antonio, marries German heritage with Texan flair. The Comal River’s tubing scene and Wurstfest’s beer-and-bratwurst celebrations define its culture.
The Gruene Historic District, with its 19th-century dance hall, draws live music fans, while tech workers commute to San Antonio. A 9.89% growth rate highlights its balance of tradition and progress, though limited public transit tests newcomers.
Kissimmee, Florida
Population Growth: 10.1% | Home Value: $389,500
Overshadowed by Disney’s glitter, Kissimmee is emerging as a standalone suburban star. Lake Tohopekaliga’s bass fishing tournaments and Kissimmee Lakefront Park’s festivals counterbalance tourist crowds.
New subdivisions like Storey Park offer pools and playgrounds, while vacation rentals thrive near theme parks. The population rise reflects its dual identity: a family haven and investor hotspot. Yet, Orlando’s sprawl brings traffic headaches, and hurricane risks linger.
Fort Myers, Florida
Population Growth: 10.6% | Home Value: $397,800
Fort Myers is steadily rebuilding after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm that hit in 2022. Despite the setback, this Gulf Coast city is showing remarkable resilience. History buffs can visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. For beach lovers, nearby Sanibel Island remains a favorite with its shell-covered shores.
The Gateway area is gaining popularity for its golf courses and lakefront living. Fort Myers continues to attract remote workers and retirees seeking a laid-back lifestyle. New, flood-resistant building codes now shape construction, ensuring greater climate preparedness as development expands.
Goodyear, Arizona
Population Growth: 11.1% | Home Value: $412,300
Goodyear, a suburb of Phoenix, excels as a center for sports and logistics. Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds participate in MLB spring training events at Goodyear Ballpark in the city, while Amazon offers dependable employment opportunities through its fulfillment center.
Families praise top-rated schools like Western Sky Middle School, though home prices creep upward as demand grows. Goodyear’s population jump reflects its dual identity as a sports lover’s paradise and logistics powerhouse..
Conroe, Texas
Population Growth: 11.5% | Home Value: $327,800
Conroe is about 40 miles north of Houston and offers lakeside living at a lower cost. Lake Conroe, a 21,000-acre reservoir, is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports. The city also hosts outdoor concerts at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Downtown has seen a revival, with new breweries, shops, and the historic Crighton Theatre. Rapid growth has led to traffic congestion and crowded schools, but the area’s affordability continues to draw new residents.
Casa Grande, Arizona
Population Growth: 12.5% | Home Value: 350,000
Casa Grande (“Big House” in Spanish) sits between Phoenix and Tucson and is named after nearby ancient Hohokam ruins. It offers some of Arizona’s most affordable housing.
Lucid Motors has opened a major electric vehicle manufacturing plant here, creating new jobs and energizing the local economy. Retirees enjoy golf, pickleball, and warm winters at local resorts. Summers are hot, but the city’s low cost and growing economy continue to attract new residents.
Dublin, California
Population Growth: 19% | Home Value: $1,488,417
Dublin, an East Bay suburb 35 miles from San Francisco, is one of California’s fastest-growing cities. Its rise is fueled by strong schools, safety, and proximity to major employers in Silicon Valley and the Tri-Valley area.
Unlike other fast-growing suburbs, Dublin remains a high-priced market. Demand continues to surge despite its median home value nearing $1.5 million. The city attracts high earners seeking quality of life and convenient commutes over affordability.
