Americans Flock to Exurbs as Cities Become Less Appealing
Americans are increasingly migrating to the outermost edges of metropolitan areas, dubbed “exurbs,” which are typically located 40 to 60 miles from city centers. These areas are attracting families seeking more space, affordable homes, and a quieter way of life.
Exurbs have transformed once-sleepy rural towns into thriving cultural communities with booming populations and housing markets. Anna, Texas, near Dallas, has seen its population soar by a third since 2020, becoming the fourth-fastest growing city in America. Other popular exurb hotspots include Fort Mill, South Carolina, near Charlotte, Lebanon, Tennessee, near Nashville, and Haines City, Polk County, Florida, nestled between Tampa and Orlando.
The trend has been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created more remote work opportunities and allowed people to live further away from city centers. Skyrocketing housing costs in major cities have also pushed families to seek more affordable alternatives.
Exurbs have outpaced city and suburb housing markets over the past decade, with the number of available properties growing by an average of 15 percent. The trend is particularly appealing to millennials, who are seeking larger homes, outdoor space, safer communities, and better schools.
However, the migration comes with trade-offs, such as longer commutes and adjusting to new cultural norms. Newcomers to exurbs like Haines City, Florida, have reported culture shock and adjusting to local traditions.
Despite the challenges, many residents are happy to trade off the urban grind for a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. “I love my job, but then I love coming back home, and it’s more tranquil,” said Marisol Ortega, who lives in Haines City.
The trend is expected to continue, with exurbs emerging as major migration destinations in the United States. As the full impact of this major migration shift remains to be seen, it is clear that exurbs are reshaping residential and work environments in significant ways.