The 11 Fastest Growing Towns in Florida Everyone Is Talking About

Key Points

• Fruitland Park is one of the fastest growing towns in the entire country, known for its safety and friendly vibe.
• Bonita Springs had a 36% population boom in the last 10 years and offers plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
• West Melbourne grew by over 5,000 people in the last 10 years and offers a small-town atmosphere and family-friendly attractions.
• Clermont, located west of Orlando, is famous for its greenery, rolling hills, and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
• Winter Haven, known as the ‘Chain of Lakes City,’ offers 50 lakes within the city limits and attractions like LegoLand and the Auburndale Speedway.

Many people across the country are leaving their current states and moving to Florida. Folks may choose The Sunshine State as their new destination for many reasons, like the multitude of great towns to explore. Today, we’re going to talk about the 11 fastest-growing towns in Florida. We’ll tell you how much each town has grown in the last few years, along with points of interest. After reading this article, maybe you’ll decide to move south as well!

How We Determine the Fastest Growing Towns in Florida

People are flocking to Florida because they believe they’ll have more freedom to do what they want to do, when they want to do it. Others are drawn to the state’s growing job market and career opportunities. Of course, many retirees also move to Florida because they want a warm place to relax. 

The Sunshine State is exploding, and the population numbers are always changing. We created this list of the fastest growing towns in Florida by comparing census data from 2010 to data from 2020. The change in population of these 11 towns across a full decade is a good indication of growth.

Because population numbers can change quickly, current numbers may differ slightly from the time of this writing. Without further ado, here is the list:

11. Fruitland Park

Population Growth In 10 Years: 3,786 New Residents

The U.S. Census Bureau says that Fruitland Park is one of the fastest growing towns in the entire country, and people continue to flock there. This incredibly safe town has a crime rate below 50%, a small community, and a friendly vibe. Fruitland Park’s future looks bright!

Point of Interest

There are a ton of local attractions to enjoy in Fruitland Park, including trampoline parks, farms, and wineries. Our favorite point of interest is snorkeling with manatees. A chance to hang out with the “cows of the sea” in their own environment can be quite the experience.

10. Bonita Springs

Population Growth In 10 Years: 5,707 New Residents

Leave Fort Myers and head south, and you’ll soon find yourself in Bonita Springs, another fastest growing town in Florida. This a much smaller town when compared to Fort Myers, but it has undergone an astounding 36% population boom in the last 10 years. If you’re close to retirement, then consider looking for property in Bonita Springs. You’re bound to make friends because close to 60% of the residents are over the age of 50. This city boasts a lot of sunshine, with 249 sunny days per year. Plus, the weather rarely dips below 65 degrees, so you’ll never get chilly. 

Point of Interest

Since Bonita Springs is so close to the ocean, there’s a ton of water-based activities for water lovers. Older folks can enjoy their time sitting on the beach, while youngsters can kayak or snorkel. The best point of interest in our opinion is The Wonder Gardens. These are gorgeous botanical gardens where you can see amazing plants and cool animals, including flamingos. It’s a great destination for kids and adults, so even if you aren’t moving to Bonita Springs, at least come for a visit.

9. West Melbourne

Population Growth In 10 Years: 5,945 New Residents

Next on our list of the fastest growing towns in Florida is West Melbourne, a historically small town that grew by 5,000+ people in the last 10 years. It’s a very popular town attracting people of all ages. It’s located in Brevard County on the east coast. With its small-town atmosphere, West Melbourne is a nice place to raise a family.

Point of Interest

There are a surprising number of fun things to do in West Melbourne, considering it’s such a small town. Check out the Andretti Thrill Park, botanical gardens, and state park. We recommend that you stop by the Brevard Zoo, where you can see over 900 animals and many fun sights.

8. Clermont

Population Growth In 10 Years: 9,831 New Residents

Clermont, located just west of Orlando, is in Lake Country, Florida. It’s famous for its nature with many rolling hills and lakes that offer beautiful scenery. Many triathletes use the vibrant, hilly grounds for training. The people who move here are looking for a balance between fun and leisure. Golf courses and biking trails offer plenty of casual fun. There’s also great nightlife at the local historical town on Lake Minneola, where you can eat, shop, and enjoy an evening out.

Point of Interest

There are many great wineries and beaches to explore here, alongside plenty of attractions. A highlight is The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Enjoy a night at the theater as you laugh your way through this one-man show. Best of all, dinner is included, with unlimited pizza and salad plus beer, wine, and soda.

7. Winter Haven

Population Growth In 10 Years: 10,331 New Residents

About one hour away from Tampa and Orlando is the town of Winter Haven. This town is located in Polk County, and it has the nickname of “Chain of Lakes City” because there are 50 amazing lakes within the city limits. With friendly neighborhoods and a historic downtown district offering restaurants and entertainment, it’s no wonder residents are flocking to Winter Haven.

Point of Interest

Big attractions abound in Winter Haven, from LegoLand to the awesome Pontoon Pub Crawl. Our choice for the best attraction is Auburndale Speedway, an awesome raceway with fast cars and cool people.

6. Winter Garden

Population Growth In 10 Years: 11,297 New Residents

Winter Garden is a suburb of Orlando, and it’s a fixture of Orange County. Many people are moving to this town because it has an exploding job market, and it’s been growing by leaps and bounds for several years. There’s a strong local economy, so it’s great for families, and there’s also a great school system. Winter Garden was voted one of the best places to raise a family in Florida. 

Point of Interest

This city is loaded with awesome things to do, from theaters to street markets and brewing companies. Visit downtown Winter Garden to eat at the best restaurants, stroll the famous farmers market, and bring the kids to an awesome splash pad.

5. Parkland

Population Growth In 10 Years: 11,657 New Residents

One of the fastest-growing towns in Florida is Parkland, which is located in Broward County near Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This upscale community is small, peaceful, and beautiful. It’s also known as a very safe town with many parks and quiet neighbors. The city also has a very good school system, so a lot of parents with growing families are calling it home. With larger cities nearby, locals get the best of both worlds. The town is also loaded with tons of great parks, golf courses, and opportunities for fun in the sun.

Point of Interest

There are many great family-oriented activities to enjoy in Parkland, including their famous Monster Mini Golf. You must check out the Parkland Farmers Market, where you can meet and greet a ton of local vendors and friendly folks of the neighborhood. There’s a lot of food, clothing, and crafts to check out. Just be aware that it’s closed on Sundays.

4. Ocoee

Population Growth In 10 Years: 12,529 New Residents

Located in Orange County, Ocoee is not the most famous city on the list, but many people are calling it home in recent years. People looking for a more cost-friendly alternative to Orlando often come to Ocoee, as it’s one of the hottest up and coming neighborhoods in the area. If you love Disney World, then this is the place to be because it’s only a 20-minute drive to the park. Ocoee is also a great place to live if you work in Orlando and need a reasonable commute. This is a town full of friendly people, and it’s great for families.

Point of Interest

Many people have the misconception that the only reason to live in Ocoee is to be close to Disney World and other Orlando attractions, but there’s much more to the town. For instance, the Central Florida Railroad Museum is a lot of fun. It’s a great place for kids and train enthusiasts of all ages. While here, you can check out photos, memorabilia, and actual equipment that’s been used on trains for many years. The park is open every day until 5 PM.

3. St. Cloud

Population Growth In 10 Years: 16,792 New Residents

Next on our list is St. Cloud, another quiet city located in central Florida, south of major cities like Orlando and Kissimmee. This is a very quiet town that’s famous for its greenery and sustainability. It’s surrounded by three huge lakes, so there’s plenty of opportunities for swimming and other water-related activities. The town motto is “Celebrating Small Town Life,” and the residents live by it every day. This is another great city to live in if you tire of the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Point of Interest

There are many historical sights to visit in St. Cloud, including old ranches, memorials, and cool nature preserves. For something more energetic, definitely check out Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours of the Everglades. You and your family can watch all kinds of cool animals and natural wonders. It’s a fun and educational experience.

2. Doral

Population Growth In 10 Years: 21,029 New Residents

The town of Doral has been making waves for a few years now. It was voted one of the 50 best places to live in America by Money Magazine. Doral is a suburb located in Miami-Dade County, and it’s one of the fastest growing areas in Miami. In fact, it’s been attracting the attention of major companies and new development. The Carnival Corporation, Univision, and other major businesses have moved to the area, supplying new jobs. If any town screams Florida, it’s Doral. They have 249 sunny days per year, and it’s an easy commute from Miami Beach, so you can have a nice balance between quiet and wild beach fun.

Point of Interest

Doral is an amazing city that has a ton of things to do, from malls and restaurants to golf courses and parks where the kiddos can run and play. However, if you’re looking for the most upscale experience, then stop by CityPlace Doral. This awesome location features the best restaurants and shops, with bowling, movie theatres, and more!

1. Fort Myers

Population Growth In 10 Years: 24,798 New Residents

Many people have heard of Fort Myers, but did you know that it’s one of the fastest growing towns in Florida? This was already a hot spot for the residents of the state, but it’s been growing by leaps and bounds over the past 10 years. This is one of the largest cities on this list, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. This town is located near the beach, and it has an awesome downtown area with shops and attractions. Fort Myers is also located near many other major cities, including Cape Coral and Sanibel Island. With so many great perks, Fort Myers has often found itself on lists of the best places to retire. If you’re not nearing retirement, Fort Meyers could still be your future home, as it boasts one of the best job growth rates in the country. 

Point of Interest

As you can see, Fort Myers is a great place to live, and there’s a ton to do for people from ages one to 100. There are eco tours of local areas, amazing beaches, historic tours, and many opportunities to see manatees. If you’re a sports fan, stop by JetBlue Park, where the historic Red Sox play their spring training games for the MLB. This is a cool park that is a replica of the real Fenway Park in Boston. Watch a local team and get some tasty food.

Conclusion

That’s our list of the fastest growing towns in Florida. If any of these locations call out to you, then consider a trip to check out your future home. Afterall, the future is bright in Florida.

Summary of the 11 Fastest Growing Towns in Florida Everyone Is Talking About

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Katherine Welles/Shutterstock.com

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