According to a report released by the US Census Bureau on Thursday, March 27, “The Villages” is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the US. The population census report reveals that over the 12-month period spanning from July 2012 to July 2013 – The Villages registered an impressive population growth of 5.2 percent, the highest in the US.
The top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas
1. The Villages, Florida
2. Midland, Texas
3. Odessa, Texas
4. Bismarck, North Dakota
5. Fargo, North Dakota
6. Casper, Wyoming
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
8. Austin, Texas
9. Daphne, Alabama
10. Fort Myers, Florida
Technically, The Villages is not a metropolitan city, but only an unincorporated community of retirement homes, stretching across the Sumter, Marion and Lake counties. It is, however, widely acknowledged as a city since it is home to more than 107,000 citizens. This is nearly twice as much as the benchmark population of cities (50,000 people).
The Villages Responsible for Six cities Experiencing high growth
According to top Orlando realtors, the 5.2 percent increase in population can be attributed to the community’s improving facilities for seniors. Real estate agents who have worked in The Villages have revealed that the community has been witnessing a surge in the number of seniors and retirees. Warm temperatures, selection of executive golf courses, parks, fitness trailers, and the increasing number of “Neighborhood” and “Regional Centers” are some of the factors influencing this trend.
Six areas around the Greater Plains and the metropolitan region near the Gulf Coast were included among the 10 fastest-growing cities. The cities include Odessa, Austin-Round Rock and Midland in Texas, Fargo in Minnesota, and Bismarck and Casper. Rich in oil and gas, these metros witnessed a rapid growth in population primarily because of the energy boom.
Promising future for the Orlando real estate market
The recent report has left Orlando realtors with fresh hopes and a positive outlook for the rest of 2014 with respect to the real estate market in Central Florida.
Baby boomers from all over the nation are flocking to Florida’s much-talked-about retirement homes just northwest of Orlando. Further, residential projects like the $56 million apartment complex at Crescent Central Station, the 800 luxury apartments to be constructed by BentleyForbes Del American, and the Winter Park Village projects, are expected to bring in a lot of business for Orlando realtors.
