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.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
10. Newark, New Jersey
![newark new jersey usa](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/newark_new_jersey_usa.jpg)
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
![city hall in downtown buffalo](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/city_hall_in_downtown_buffalo.jpg)
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
![arizona rooftops near warner road](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/arizona_rooftops_near_warner_road.jpg)
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.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
7. Irvine, California
![orange country from a trail](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/orange_county_from_a_trail.jpg)
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
![the skyline of jersey city](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/the_skyline_of_jersey_city.jpg)
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.
5. Frisco, Texas
![logos of the cheescake factory](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/logos_of_the_cheesecake_factory.jpg)
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 florida skyline](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/orlando_florida_skyline.jpg)
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 alabama usa skyline](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/huntsville_alabama_usa_skyline.jpg)
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
![las vegas homes and streets](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/las_vegas_homes_and_streets.jpg)
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.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
1. Port St. Lucie, Florida
![port st lucie florida usa](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/port_st_lucie_florida_usa.jpg)
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
![big overpass closeup](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/12/big_overpass_closeup.jpg)
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.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.