How the Midwest Became the Place to Move

Not sure what data they are using. Here is what I get, and these are not Midwest cities:

Using the latest completed U.S. Census metro-area estimates I could verify — population change from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 — the 5 fastest-growing U.S. metro areas by percentage growth were:

1. Ocala, Florida — 4.0%

2. Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida — 3.8%

3. Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — 3.8%

4. Lakeland–Winter Haven, Florida — 3.5%

5. Provo–Orem–Lehi, Utah — 3.0%

One wrinkle: Daphne–Fairhope–Foley, Alabama also grew 3.0%, so it was effectively tied with Provo–Orem–Lehi on growth rate, though Census ranked Provo 5th and Daphne 6th.

I've lived in the Midwest most of my life and after living in the East for a year, chose to move to Twin Cities and stay. Weather sucks, but the cost of living is good. Opportunities are good, schools are good. If I can take a vacation to somewhere warm in February I can make it through the winter just fine.

It's not 'cool' like NY, CA, but we've got good food, fun things to do, and can realistically build the life we want.

I hope more people move here. There's plenty of room for more of the 5 over 1 apartments everyone maligns but are affordable. There's room for more sleepy suburbs, bike paths, and you-pick orchards.