The fastest growing suburbs in America — and the winner is a few hours drive from NYC

New York Post - Apr 16th, 2025

The GOBankingRates research team has identified the fastest-growing suburban neighborhoods in the US, revealing that Woodbridge, Virginia, tops the list with an 887.3% population increase from 2018 to 2023. The report highlights the financial requirements for potential residents, noting that an annual income of approximately $124,161 is needed to not live paycheck to paycheck in this suburb. The surge in population is partly attributed to residents leaving cities like Washington D.C. during the pandemic in favor of less crowded suburbs. Other rapidly growing suburbs include several in Texas, such as Fulshear and Celina, and locations in states like Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with varying salary requirements for comfortable living.

This trend reflects a broader shift among Americans seeking quieter, more spacious living environments in the wake of COVID-19, which prompted many to reevaluate their living situations. The growing popularity of these suburbs is influenced by factors like affordability, livability scores, and proximity to major urban centers. The implications of this trend suggest a continuing transformation in American residential patterns, with potential impacts on urban planning, infrastructure development, and real estate markets. As these suburbs expand, they may also face challenges related to maintaining community resources and managing growth sustainably.

Housing Market Covid 19 Impact Suburban Growth Woodbridge, Virginia Go Banking Rates Population Increase

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the fastest-growing suburban areas in the United States, with a focus on population growth and affordability. It presents clear and engaging data points that are likely to interest readers considering relocation or those curious about real estate trends. However, the reliance on a single source and the lack of diverse perspectives limit its accuracy and depth. Greater transparency regarding data collection methods and the inclusion of expert commentary would enhance the article's credibility. While the article effectively communicates its main points, a more balanced exploration of the implications of suburban growth would improve its impact and engagement potential.

Accuracy

The story provides specific data points, such as the population growth in Woodbridge, Virginia, and the required salaries to live in various suburbs. However, the claim of an 887% increase in Woodbridge's population over five years is significant and requires verification through census data or authoritative demographic sources. The reported salary requirements for living in these areas are precise but need cross-checking with cost-of-living indexes or economic data from reliable sources. The article's figures on livability scores and home prices should be verified against current data from reputable real estate sources. Overall, while the story's claims are detailed, they rely heavily on a single source, GOBankingRates, without additional corroboration, which limits its accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of moving to suburban areas, such as affordability and livability, without delving into potential downsides like increased commuting times or potential overdevelopment. It presents a one-sided view favoring suburban living without discussing the challenges that might come with rapid population growth, such as strain on infrastructure or changes in community dynamics. The story could benefit from including perspectives from residents or experts who might offer a more nuanced view of these changes.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. It logically presents the information, starting with an introduction to the topic, followed by specific examples of growing suburbs and their respective data points. The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on providing data rather than opinions. However, the inclusion of more context or background information about the suburbs mentioned could enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with these areas.

Source quality

The primary source for the data is GOBankingRates, which is a financial website that might not specialize in demographic or housing market analysis. While the story mentions a researcher named CJ Williamson, it does not provide information on their credentials or expertise. The lack of diverse sources or expert commentary limits the depth and reliability of the article. For a more comprehensive analysis, the inclusion of data from government agencies, real estate experts, or economic analysts would enhance the credibility of the claims.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of how the data was collected and analyzed by GOBankingRates. There is no explanation of the methodology used to determine the growth rates or salary requirements, which makes it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the findings. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as partnerships with real estate agencies or financial institutions, which could influence the reporting. Greater transparency about the data sources and analysis methods would improve the article's credibility.