A new breed of American city is surging in popularity, and they're not your typical urban hotspots.
A recent FinanceBuzz study identified 10 U.S. cities experiencing explosive growth between 7.78% and 14.84% from 2019 to 2022.
Whether you're trying to get ahead financially, seeking a vibrant lifestyle, or just craving a fresh start, these rising stars offer something for everyone.
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10. Newark, New Jersey
Newark saw its population rise 7.78%. Located just eight miles from Manhattan, Newark is an exciting place in its own right.
Foodies will love it here, as many celebrity chefs own restaurants in the area, and the city is known for its Portuguese community restaurants. The public gardens are also worth checking out.
9. Buffalo, New York
Yes, Buffalo gets cold and snowy. But that didn’t stop its population from growing by 8.31%.
If you love architecture, check out the Martin House, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Meanwhile, plant lovers might want to check out the Buffalo Botanical Gardens.
8. Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert saw its population increase rapidly from 2019 to 2022, at 8.36%.
Gilbert is located in central Arizona, not far from Phoenix. The weather is sunny, and the public school district is nationally renowned. There is also a vibrant downtown food scene.
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7. Irvine, California
Irvine’s population rose by 9.15% from 2019 to 2022.
While the city has a vibrant economy, it hasn’t forgotten about preserving nature. Here, you will find more than 16,000 acres of parks and other types of open space.
6. Jersey City, New Jersey
From 2019 to 2022, the population in Jersey City jumped 9.38%.
In this city’s Liberty State Park, you get views of three icons of American culture: The Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
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5. Frisco, Texas
Frisco’s population jumped 9.53%. It might not be one of Texas’ biggest cities, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t lively.
The city is home to a vibrant arts scene, gorgeous hiking and biking trails, and plenty of fabulous eats.
4. Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s population increased by 9.96%, with just over 1,300 new homes built per 100,000 people.
The city isn’t close to beaches, but it has plenty to offer, especially in terms of theme parks from Disney World to Universal Studios.
3. Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville’s population grew by 10.65%. In addition, per-capita income jumped by 67.4%.
Huntsville is a hub for aerospace fans and is the home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
2. North Las Vegas, Nevada
The population of North Las Vegas increased by 11.34%.
Living here means you are just minutes from Las Vegas itself. While residents are only a short trip away from the bustle of that city, they also have access to wonderful Western hiking trails, beautiful weather, and a vibrant food scene.
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1. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Located up the coast from Miami, Port St. Lucie boasts the highest population growth of any city on this list, with a 14.84% increase from 2019 to 2022.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Port St. Lucie. The Treasure Coast beaches are gorgeous, and the St. Lucie River is a favorite of boaters.
Bottom line
Choosing where to live is a major undertaking. If you’re looking for an affordable community with plenty of jobs and a growing population, there are plenty of places that can meet your needs.
One of the cities on this list might be the perfect place to build wealth and start a new life in 2024.
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