Several communities across the southern United States are witnessing a surge in population, drawing new residents with promises of a quieter lifestyle and more affordable housing. These "ex-burbs," located 40-60 miles from major cities, offer a welcome change of pace from bustling metropolitan areas.
Haines City in Polk County, Florida, situated between Tampa and Orlando, stands out as a prime example. Last year alone, Haines City welcomed 30,000 new residents, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, according to US Census Bureau data. This growth aligns with a trend observed in other communities like Anna, Texas, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Lebanon, Tennessee.
Anna, Texas, located 45 miles north of Dallas, has experienced a one-third population increase since 2020. The city attributes its growth to a combination of factors, including its strategic location, diverse housing options, and ongoing residential and commercial development projects.
Fort Mill, South Carolina, has also seen a significant population jump, increasing by 37.2% since 2020. Meanwhile, Lebanon, Tennessee, has experienced a growth of 8.9% between July 2023 and July 2024, bringing its total population to approximately 48,000.
Katie Worthington Decker, senior vice president of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, points to several reasons for the population surge in Polk County. She highlights pandemic-era policies that facilitated Florida's reopening compared to other states, the diverse local economy, and the area's relative affordability compared to nearby metropolitan areas like Tampa and Orlando. Decker also emphasizes Polk County's central location, offering favorable weather, lower tax rates, easy access to other major cities, and a variety of lifestyle options.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced migration patterns, as remote work opportunities allowed individuals to seek out more affordable living situations. The rise of "zoom towns" exemplifies this trend, with cities like Bend, Oregon, and Asheville, North Carolina, experiencing substantial population growth.
However, as some companies reinstate return-to-office policies, the future of remote work and the sustained appeal of "ex-burbs" remains uncertain. Decker believes that while return-to-office policies might influence some individuals, Polk County and Central Florida are well-equipped to offer employment opportunities to those who choose to remain. She further suggests that returning to the office can be beneficial for company culture and employee career growth, but acknowledges that employees will likely continue to prioritize flexibility and work-life balance.
