News Summary
College Station has earned the sixth position on U-Haul’s 2023 ranking of non-metro cities experiencing significant growth. Factors such as job opportunities, affordable real estate, and the booming Texas A&M University contribute to this trend. With projections indicating a substantial population increase in the coming years, College Station is quickly becoming a top destination for new residents seeking a vibrant community.
College Station Soars in U-Haul’s Non-Metro Growth Rankings for 2023
College Station is making headlines as it proudly claims the sixth spot on U-Haul’s list of non-metro cities experiencing significant growth this year. This ranking isn’t just a number; it’s based on data showcasing where U-Haul trucks are heading and, more importantly, where people are choosing to stay after their move.
The Winner’s Circle
Leading the pack is Ocala, Florida, taking the top honor for growth in non-metro areas. Right behind it are College Station’s neighboring metropolitan cities with Dallas-Fort Worth holding the first spot, while Austin and Houston also made their mark at fifth and ninth respectively. It’s evident that Texas, in general, is a hotspot for movers, and College Station is riding the wave!
Why College Station?
Briana Parie, General Manager for Texas A&M, points out the reasons behind this trend – with job opportunities being a primary draw. The migration surge to College Station is especially fueled by younger individuals, notably students itching to seize career opportunities that await them after graduation.
Texas Growth Trends
Diving a bit deeper, Dennis Jansen from the Private Enterprise Research Center reported that Texas has seen a remarkable 5% increase in population growth, significantly outpacing the national growth rate of just 2%. In Brazos County, where College Station is located, the population has surged by almost 6.67% recently. Clearly, more folks are calling this vibrant community home!
A Housing Market on the Rise
One of the attractive aspects of moving to College Station is its affordable real estate prices compared to larger metropolitan areas. This affordability, coupled with the recognition as the #3 boomtown in America by 24/7 Wall Street, showcases the city’s impressive growth in both population and economic development.
Future Projections
The current population of College Station hovers around 130,000, and projections show it could experience a whopping 72% growth over the next 25 years, translating to an anticipated 177.8% increase in the next 50 years. The local authorities are clearly getting prepared for this influx.
The Role of Education and Quality of Life
Mayor John Nichols attributes this positive trend to the continuous growth of Texas A&M University and the overall improved quality of life in the city. Meanwhile, over in the City of Bryan, the growth rate has been a steady 2.4% over the past 70 years, with a current population of around 90,000. Projections for Bryan suggest it could grow to between 150,000 and 160,000 in just 25 years.
Sparking Development
Development projects such as Midtown Park and various downtown enhancements in Bryan are also contributing significantly to the region’s growth. With Fargo, North Dakota taking the top spot in overall boomtown rankings and Denton, Texas coming in second, College Station remains competitive and on the upward trend!
Keeping Residents Informed
In a bid to keep residents in the loop, College Station has launched an interactive map that lets citizens track ongoing development projects and their budget allocations. This initiative is a collaborative effort among the city’s capital projects, public works, and IT departments and will be updated twice a month to ensure everyone stays informed about local advancements.
Embracing Change
As College Station continues to bustle with growth and new possibilities, it’s clear that people from all walks of life are finding their place here. With a promising future ahead, College Station is not just a spot on the map, but a destination for those looking to embrace a thriving community!
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Additional Resources
- The Eagle: College Station Ranks Sixth with U-Haul
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- KBTX: Destination Bryan & College Station
- Google Search: College Station Texas growth 2023
- GlobeSt: Smaller Texas Markets Show Strong Growth
- Google Scholar: Texas economic development
- KXXV: City of College Station Development Map
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Station Texas
- KBTX: College Station Ranked as a Boomtown
- Google News: College Station Texas U-Haul
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
