These days, more and more people are choosing to live in smaller cities on the outskirts of bigger metropolises, places that have been nicknamed “exurbs.” Unlike suburbs, which are directly outside of big cities, exurbs are farther away, providing access to open land, more building opportunities, and close-knit communities. If this sounds appealing, check out the following small cities the U.S. Census Bureau has identified as some of the fastest-growing cities in America.
7. Foley, Alabama

As the fastest-growing small city in Alabama, Foley’s population had a 12% population increase from 2023 to 2024. Founded in 1902 by Chicago businessman John B. Foley, the town sprang up around the railroad and has since grown to a population of about 28,000 people. Located near the Gulf Coast and the city of Mobile, Foley is home to a vibrant downtown, with shops, farmers markets, restaurants, and cozy cafes. The city also has a bustling community calendar, hosting street events that include Third Thursdays (offering special discounts at local establishments), Christmas events, and art fairs. And the nearby antique rose trail features a variety of heritage roses and provides access to the serene Heritage Park.
6. Haines City, Florida

With its recent population increase of 12.1%, Haines City is becoming an increasingly popular place to move to in Florida. Less than 50 miles from Orlando, Haines City has all the benefits of the bigger city with an added dose of small-town charm. Founded in 1885, Haines City is home to historic landmarks like the Polk Hotel (now converted into a Baptist church) and the Old Central Grammar School, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s also a lively downtown district with boutiques, food trucks, and art events — along with walking trails, theater productions, and community events in Lake Eva Park.
5. Anna, Texas

When it was founded in 1883, Anna, Texas, had just 20 residents, two stores, a gristmill, and a church. Named for Anna Quinlan, daughter of the local railroad boss, the town grew around the tracks and has since become the fourth-fastest-growing city in Texas. The 14.6% population bump from 2023 to 2024 can be credited to Anna’s reputable school system, availability of affordable housing, and large tracts of open land for building. With the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area a little over an hour away by car, residents can also enjoy big-city amenities such as an international airport, restaurants, museums, and shopping.
4. Celina, Texas

Founded in 1876, Celina, Texas, was named after another small town called Celina in Tennessee. Almost 150 years later, the Texas city has eclipsed its namesake, with an 18.2% year-over-year increase in population and an estimated 43,000 residents. The city’s population boom began at the turn of the century following the newly installed train tracks. Celina’s historic downtown area, which sprang up around the tracks, also recently underwent a revitalization. However, one of the biggest current growth drivers for Celina is the planned Dallas North Tollway Extension, which will make it easy for commuters to access the nearby city.
3. Leesburg, Florida

Settled in 1857 by a man named Lee, Leesburg, Florida, is the oldest city in Lake County and the fastest-growing small city in Florida, with an 18.5% increase in population between 2023 and 2024. Nicknamed “Lakefront City,” it is ideally situated between several bodies of water, including Lake Harris to the south, Lake Griffin to the north, and Lake Denham to the west. Leesburg is also home to a World War II training base that has been converted into an international airport for smaller planes and recreational pilots. Venetian Gardens Park is another popular draw for residents, featuring canals, trails, a playground, and a marina.
2. Fulshear, Texas

Located west of Houston in Fort Bend County, Fulshear is another booming Texas city. It grew a whopping 26.9% over the course of a year and now has over 54,000 residents. Founded in 1824 after Churchill Fulshear received a land grant from Mexico, the city celebrated its 200th birthday in 2024. For over a century, Fulshear primarily operated as a small agricultural town with a couple hundred residents. The town’s first population boom happened in 1988, and since then it has only continued to grow, thanks in large part to its proximity to Houston, a high safety rating, and plentiful sunshine.
1. Princeton, Texas

As you might have guessed from the rest of this list, the fastest-growing small city in the country is located in the Lone Star State. Located 45 miles northeast of Dallas, Princeton is a former lumber town that has seen its population double since 2020 to 37,000 residents. From 2023 to 2024, the population of Princeton increased by 30.6%.
This massive growth can be attributed to its proximity to Dallas, combined with an affordable cost of living, but it does have a few downsides. The large influx of new Princeton residents has caused traffic issues, crowded schools, and overwhelmed city services. The city’s Strategic Plan and Progress proposes to address these issues by scaling up to meet the growing community’s needs, and officials hope to sustain growth through increased infrastructure, more parks and trails, and proper land use.
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