The 20 Best Up-and-Coming Small Cities in America

Whether you’re looking for the next up-and-coming small city or you’re eager for a change of pace, these fast-growing small cities in the US should be on your radar.

July 15, 2022

By: Erin Gifford

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Top Growth Cities Across the United States

Whether you’re looking for the next big city or you’re just eager for a change of pace, we’ve got you covered. The US Census Bureau recently revealed that the top growth cities and towns continue to be dominated by the South and West. All across the regions are towns that are tops for healthcare, jobs, incomes, outdoor recreation and affordable housing.

We examined this list, but also checked in with the Milken Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, which recently put out their own report on the Best Performing Cities. They looked at US cities driving economic growth, tracking qualities like jobs, wages, housing affordability and access to broadband. Selecting great towns from both lists, here are the top up-and-coming cities in America.

Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown is the fastest growing city in the nation, growing by more than 10% in one year, according to the US Census Bureau. This mid-size town of 75,000 is just 30 miles north of Austin, but it stands on its own as a must-visit destination thanks to historic architecture, a hot winery scene, farm-to-table dining and one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Texas. A scenic lagoon at Blue Hole Park and a massive underground cave system at Inner Space Cavern add to the allure of this Central Texas town.

Queen Creek, Arizona

Some consider Queen Creek to be among the most closely held secrets in Arizona. However, given the population growth it’s seen — up 9% year-over-year — it looks like the secret may be out. With more than 330 days of annual sunshine and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities, this suburb to the southeast of Phoenix is easily winning over visitors, converting many to residents. Manicured green spaces, like Desert Mountain Park and Founder’s Park, are among the draws, as are unexpected finds, like olive and peach groves.

Buckeye, Arizona

A second Phoenix suburb that’s an up and comer is Buckeye, a town of 100,000 that’s just 35 miles west of the state’s capital city. This town’s population grew nearly 9% in one year, luring in outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Skyline Regional Park and Estrella Mountain Regional Park offer miles and miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The nearby Desert Botanical Garden is wildly popular, too, with more than 50,000 desert plants on display in the red rocks. Newcomers will also find affordable housing and very good schools.

New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels is a northeast suburb of San Antonio that’s just 35 miles away by car. It may not have the Alamo or River Walk, but it’s got much more. For one, there's Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, a massive water park on the banks of the Comal River. With triple-digit Texas summers, close proximity to a super soaking water park can be a very good thing. This Texas town is also booming thanks to an adventurous food scene, loads of outdoor festivals and a fantastic housing market, as well as Texas Hill Country natural beauty, including Canyon Lake and Natural Bridge Caverns.

Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers has been a mover and shaker as of late thanks to affordability and a relaxed vibe. It’s hard to beat the beach and the free-flowing Caloosahatchee River, which separates Fort Myers from North Fort Myers. This growing town on Florida’s west coast is well-known for outdoor activities of all kinds, from shelling on pristine white-sand beaches to kayaking through mangroves. Several state parks, including Lovers Key State Park, are a short drive from downtown. In winter, you won’t want to miss spring training baseball games at JetBlue Park.

Meridian, Idaho

Meridian is among the larger cities on this list with a population of 125,000, making it the second largest city in Idaho after Boise. Interestingly, this fast-growing city is a mere 10 miles west of the state’s capital. Idaho may be best known for potatoes, but Meridian is all about getting outside in the sunshine. There’s hiking and biking in summer, and skiing and ice fishing in winter. Eagle Island State Park is the place to go for getting on the lake and camping under the stars. This safe community has clean parks, public art, a vibrant nightlife and its own symphony orchestra.

St. George, Utah

Outdoor lovers will find what they are looking for in St. George. It’s close to several state and national parks, including Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park. St. George is also a short drive from Sand Hollow State Park, the go-to destination for four-wheeling on sand dunes and lazing on the reservoir. There’s plenty of arts and culture here, too, like the St. George Art Museum, which is home to historical photos and works by regional artists. Jobs and wages are on the rise, making St. George a great place to put in your 9 to 5, then explore the beautiful high desert landscape on weekends.

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Coeur D’Alene is both a lake city and a ski city. Technically, it’s the Lake City, set on the shores of Lake Coeur D’Alene, which boasts fantastic beaches and sensational views. The lake also attracts birders who come to watch bald eagles feed on kokanee in the lake. As a ski city, this town of 51,000 is a short drive from two ski resorts: Silver Mountain and Schweitzer Mountain. In recent years, Coeur D’Alene has lured more than a few Californians eager to leave the Golden State behind, tempted by light traffic, a temperate climate, plentiful outdoor recreation and lower taxes.

Redding, California

Wages and job creation are on the rise in Redding, which is home to three universities and a growing healthcare industry, as well as national forests, lakes and rivers. Natural beauty abounds in Redding thanks to Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park. This town may have fewer than 100,000 residents, but more than 300 days of sunshine a year draws many to outdoor activities across the region, including the Sacramento River Trail and Castle Crags State Park, which tells the story of California’s gold rush. Kids will love Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Given South Dakota has one of the lowest tax burdens of all US states, it’s no surprise to see growth in this state, and in Sioux Falls, in particular, which has become a hub for the finance industry. Of course, Sioux Falls — the cascading waterfall at Falls Park — is another huge draw. Just steps from the edge of downtown, it’s mesmerizing to watch the Big Sioux River tumble across the rocks in a stair step fashion. Beyond the falls, there are top-tier attractions, like the Great Plains Zoo and Old Courthouse Museum. The Sioux Falls SculptureWalk is a favorite with more than 60 sculptures around town.

Gainesville, Georgia

Gainesville continues to show growth in jobs and wages, in large part because of the local poultry industry. This town of 42,000 may be a suburb of Atlanta — just 55 miles northeast of downtown — but Gainesville is more like a weekend escape thanks to its proximity to Lake Lanier. This haven for outdoor enthusiasts draws in visitors for boating, fishing and paddling. Lake Lanier is also the largest lake in Georgia with nearly 700 miles of shoreline. Off the lake, you’ll find boutiques, galleries and restaurants in downtown Gainesville, making it easy to stay and settle in to local life.

Bend, Oregon

It’s easy to fall for Bend and never want to return home, especially after a weekend spent sampling craft brews along the Bend Ale Trail, tubing and paddling on the Deschutes River and hiking to big views at nearby Pilot Butte State Park. In recent years, Bend has attracted remote workers drawn in by plentiful recreation opportunities and natural beauty. In winter, Mount Bachelor is the go-to ski mountain. Even better, it’s just 20 miles west of Bend. When you choose to stay in, don’t forget that Bend is home to the last-ever Blockbuster video rental store.

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Home to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana — one the largest universities in the country — this is a rare Midwest entry on this list of up and comers. Well, it’s actually two cities, with a combined population of 120,000. Strong ties to the tech industry have bumped up wages and employment, making this quite a desirable destination for putting down roots. You’ll also find fantastic city parks, like Crystal Lake Park, as well as arts and culture, like the Krannert Art Museum and the Spurlock Museum. Be sure to take in a live performance at the Virginia Theatre.

Goodyear, Arizona

You’d think Arizona would be full up by now, but there’s still room to grow in the ‘burbs of Phoenix. Goodyear is one more up-and-comer near the Valley of the Sun that’s attracting visitors and turning them into residents. This town of 100,000 grew more than 5% in one year, likely due to the slower pace, excellent roads and high quality of life. Plus, the whole desert motif is quite palatable. Walk desert trails at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, play a round of golf at Tuscany Falls East at Pebble Creek or watch a Spring Training baseball game at Goodyear Ballpark.

Maricopa, Arizona

Make room for one more suburb of Phoenix, this one a 35-mile drive south of downtown. Maricopa doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of Phoenix, but it does offer safe vibes, sun-splashed scenery and plenty to do in this small town of just 62,000 people. Many come — and stay — for the small town feel and affordable housing market. Get outside at Maricopa Lake Park or hit up a specialty museum. Of course, since this is Arizona, you’ll also find more than a few golf courses, like the renowned Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

In Idaho Falls, it’s job and wage growth that make Idaho’s second largest town so desirable, thanks largely to a diversity of industries, including energy, healthcare and agriculture. Housing is on the more expensive side, but the location on the Snake River and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities make Idaho Falls a worthwhile investment. Get schooled on all things Idaho at the Museum of Idaho, then stroll the Idaho Falls River Walk. As a bonus, Grand Teton National Park is less than a two-hour drive from Idaho Falls.

Abilene, Texas

On the west side of Texas, set along I-20, one of the primary east-west routes, you’ll find Abilene. It’s not a suburb of any big Texas cities. It’s closest to Fort Worth, but it’s still more than two hours away by car. Maybe that’s what makes this western town of 125,000 so appealing. It only gets better when you layer in the low cost of living and no state personal income tax. Once a frontier settlement, it’s a great location for history lovers eager to learn about this one-time railroad town. In fact, the restored Texas & Pacific Railroad depot serves as the tourism center.

Logan, Utah

Home to Utah State University, Logan is a college town with affordable housing. The mountain views across Logan are inspiring, as is the hiking at nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It’s a cinch to finish up your work day, then climb to a scenic mountain summit. Thanks to its high elevation, it rarely gets hot, certainly not too hot to get outside on biking trails and fishing lakes. A first-rate performance arts scene even earned Logan the nickname “Utah’s Heart of the Arts.”

Rapid City, South Dakota

On the other side of the state from Sioux Falls is Rapid City, and it’s also considered a rising star among those looking for a change of pace or scenery. Natural beauty is a top reason for a move to this thriving destination, fueled by Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and Skyline Wilderness Area. In town, stroll among life-sized bronze statues of past presidents, then head up to Dinosaur Park to visit with seven larger-than-life dinos that watch over the city. Order up a pint at Firehouse Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in downtown Rapid City.

Lewiston, Idaho

On the far west side of Idaho you’ll find Lewiston, which is growing in popularity as a residential address thanks to affordable housing, light traffic and easy access to outdoor recreation. The winery scene is also booming. In fact, there are 16 vineyards in the Lewis-Clark Valley, including Clearwater Canyon Cellars and Lindsay Creek Cellars. The natural beauty of Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, is another draw for those eager to explore the winding Snake River. Enjoy scenic vistas, whitewater rafting, wildlife and shipwreck sites.

The 20 Best Up-and-Coming Small Cities in America

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Top Growth Cities Across the United States

Georgetown, Texas

Queen Creek, Arizona

Buckeye, Arizona

New Braunfels, Texas

Fort Myers, Florida

Meridian, Idaho

St. George, Utah

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Redding, California

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Gainesville, Georgia

Bend, Oregon

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Goodyear, Arizona

Maricopa, Arizona

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Abilene, Texas

Logan, Utah

Rapid City, South Dakota

Lewiston, Idaho

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