The Small Cities Everyone Wants To Live In 2020

Not everyone wants to live in a big, bustling city.

Some people crave the space and slower pace of life that comes with small town life. But where in America are the best small towns for workers to call home? If people vote with their feet, than population is a strong indicator of the most desirable places to live. We hit the data to find the cities with the biggest year over year population boom.

Pull up a rocking chair or grab a seat on your wrap around porch, to find out the fastest growing small cities in 2020.

Careful, some of these towns are growing so quick they won’t be small for long!

The Small Towns Everyone Wants To Live In 2020

1. Union Park, Florida
2. D’Iberville, Mississippi
3. Converse, Texas
4. Nocatee, Florida
5. Coldwater, Michigan
6. Fish Hawk, Florida
7. Fate, Texas
8. Prosper, Texas
9. Bluffdale, Utah
10. Florida Ridge, Florida

All ten of these cities increased in size a least 10%! A sizable population boom. Something else they have in common? 8 of the 10 are pretty far south.

How We Determined The Fastest Growing Small Towns

This one was pretty simple. We used population data from the Census’ ACS. We simply calculated the difference between 2018 (the latest year data is available) and 2017 for small cities. We examined over 2,000 small cities with a population ranging from 10,000 to 25,000. We did not look at micro-small cities below 10,000.

Finally, we totaled the percent decrease or increase based on total population, to find the cities that saw the biggest population increase. The larger the increase, the faster growing (and more desirable) the town.

1. Union Park, Florida

Population Increase: 24%
2018: 13,254
2017:10,707

Union Park, Florida is the fastest growing small town in America. Year over year, this Florida city saw an impressive 24% population increase. This cozy Orlando suburb offers residents sunny weather, and a range of attractions that are close- but not too close. It’s easy to see why so many are packing up and moving in to to Union Park.

2. D’Iberville, Mississippi

Population Increase: 21%
2018: 13,531
2017:11,150

When people think beach, they often think Florida or California, but Mississippi has some truly lovely beaches on the Gulf Shore. Just ask all the new residents in D’Iberville. While we can’t guarantee all the 2,000+ new residents moved there to its prime location, we’re sure it didn’t hurt.

3. Converse, Texas

Population Increase: 20%
2018: 26,246
2017:21,919

When you hear Converse, you might think of the shoe, but 26,246 people think home sweet home. Converse, Texas saw an impressive 20% population increase year over year. Where are the coming from? Many are moving to Converse from bustling San Antonio for the high quality of life and cozy, small town feel.

4. Nocatee, Florida

Population Increase: 14%
2018: 13,266
2017:11,634

The planned community of Nocatee, Florida is growing– 14% by last count. The community consists of over 20 neighborhoods. Some of them have age requirements, making them a retirees dream. However, Nocatee has a little something for everyone. From suburb local amenities to being just a short drive away from St. Augustine, there’s a reason so many people are moving to Nocatee.

5. Coldwater, Michigan

Population Increase: 14%
2018: 12,284
2017:10,819

Coldwater, Michigan is the fifth fastest growing small town. Coldwater is a picturesque little town where residents know each others’ names. The downtown farmer’s marker and range of festivals keep the community close. Its 2017 population was barely above that of a micro small town, but the secret is out and Coldwater has been seeing a steady population increase for years.

6. Fish Hawk, Florida

Population Increase: 13%
2018: 20,054
2017:17,698

Fish Hawk, Florida grew its population by 13% in the past year. The cozy suburb has been luring in Tampa residents with its sense of community and a range of amenities that make it a great place to raise a family.

7. Fate, Texas

Population Increase: 13%
2018: 11,705
2017:10,339

Over a thousand people moved to Fate, Texas in the span of a year. While that may not impress people used to big city populations, that was a staggering 13% increase in Fate’s size! Fate is one of the fastest growing small cities, but it is also one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and Texas period.

8. Prosper, Texas

Population Increase: 12%
2018: 19,103
2017:17,107

The 8th fastest growing town is Prosper, Texas, which saw a 12% increase year over year. Why are so many choosing Prosper to call home? Prosper’s proximity to the Dallas metropolitan area is a huge appeal, and the fact that despite its booming growth it still maintains the small town feel.

9. Bluffdale, Utah

Population Increase: 11%
2018: 12,114
2017:10,869

Bluffdale is a booming suburb to the booming city of Salt Lake. As Salt Lake City grows more crowded, some are seeking refuge in Bluffdale. It’s space, affordability, and small town feel no doubt help contribute to its sizable growth!

10. Florida Ridge, Florida

Population Increase: 10%
2018: 21,371
2017:19,362

Florida Ridge is growing quickly! Year over year, it saw a 10% population increase. Florida Ridge offers its residents ocean access and affordability in spades- with a median home price of $140,800 as the cherry on top. If it keeps growing at this rate, it won’t be long before Flordia Ridge is no longer a small city. What’s not to like?

Truly Booming Small Towns

These 10 small towns are growing quickly. Many are projected to continue their growth for the next decade, transforming into thriving middle sized cities.

Until then the small town charm, friendliness, and unique amenities each town offers will continue to lure in new residents.

You can see the 100 fastest growing small cities below.

The 100, Fastest Growing Small Towns

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.