Top 10 Communities in the South’s Fastest-Growing Counties
by Robert Borges on August 28, 2024
6-minute read
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Marion County, FL
Williamson County, TX
Montgomery County, TX
Horry County, SC
Pinal County, AZ
According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a significant population shift is underway, with Americans increasingly drawn to the South. The allure of warmer climates, more spacious homes, and affordable living has spurred growth in suburban areas across Florida, Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona. Within these regions are some rapidly expanding counties, many of which feature master-planned communities that are emerging as highly sought-after havens for diverse groups—young couples, families, active adults, and retirees alike.
This article highlights 10 standout communities within these dynamic regions, showcasing the best options for those looking to embrace the Southern lifestyle while enjoying top-notch amenities and vibrant living environments.
Marion County, FL
With 233 sunny days annually, Ocala, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," provides an ideal environment for outdoor activities. Located in the northern part of the state, it's about halfway between Gainesville and Orlando, approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando and about 40 miles south of Gainesville. The following top communities in Marion County, FL, are all located in Ocala.
Calesa Township
Ocala, FL
Calesa Township is a 1,500-acre master-planned community in southwest Ocala, Florida, offering brand-new, affordable homes with resort-style amenities. Created by Colen Built Development, this community features a variety of 3- to 5-bedroom homes, including the unique HomeFlex option for extra living space. Residents enjoy an extensive trail system with underground tunnels, allowing safe and seamless movement throughout the community’s park-like setting.
Del Webb Stone Creek
Ocala, FL
Del Webb Stone Creek is a 55+ active adult, guard-gated community in Marion County offering resort-style amenities and new homes designed for active adults. The community features a newly remodeled clubhouse with a heated pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, and more, along with organized events, clubs, and interest groups. Outdoor amenities include trails, sports courts, a dog park, RV and boat storage, and a fishing pier. Homes feature open floor plans, spacious suites, and covered lanais, with both new and resale options available.
Ocala Preserve
Ocala, FL
This 600-acre, 55+ resort-style community is nestled in the heart of Marion County horse country. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Ocala and close to major highways, the community features a Tom Lehman & Tripp Davis-designed golf course and the 17,000-square-foot Oak House Resort Club with a restaurant, fitness center, pools, courts, and more. Residents can choose from single-family and duplex homes by Shea Homes®, with innovative designs ranging from 1,320 to 2,641 square feet, including quick move-in options.
On Top of the World Communities
Ocala, FL
A popular Central Florida destination, On Top of the World is a top-selling 55+ active adult community surrounded by Marion County’s horse farms and rolling landscapes. The community offers extensive amenities, including three championship golf courses, fitness facilities, lifelong learning programs, and various sports and social clubs. It also features a private 14-acre area for radio-controlled activities with a drone course and race car track. Homes are built with high-quality, energy-efficient, reinforced concrete construction, reflecting the community's commitment to excellence.
Williamson County, TX
Williamson County, Texas is a thriving region located just north of Austin. The county's rapid growth and high quality of life combine to offer a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. With beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, and a strong economy, Williamson County is a popular destination for families, retirees, and professionals alike. The county boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play. Here are the top communities in Williamson County:
Cimarron Hills
Georgetown, TX
Located 15 minutes north of Austin in Georgetown, this master-planned community in Williamson County, TX, offers a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and custom homes on 1/2 to 1+ acre parcels. The Tuscan-inspired clubhouse features a fitness center, spa, fine dining, an outdoor pool, and five lighted tennis courts with year-round programs. The community hosts a variety of social events and is close to Georgetown's historic Town Square, Blue Hole Lagoon, and Lake Georgetown. Homebuyers can choose from several home collections with views of the fairways, live oaks, and the San Gabriel River.
Sun City Texas
Georgetown, TX
Sun City Texas is a vibrant 55+ community offering an active adult lifestyle with four 18-hole championship golf courses and 11 new home designs. Located 10 miles from Georgetown's historic downtown and 30 miles north of Austin, this 10,646-acre community features state-of-the-art fitness centers, 28 miles of walking trails, eight resort-style pools, numerous sports courts, and extensive social and educational activities. Residents enjoy Georgetown’s charming town square, rich in history, shopping, dining, and cultural events, all within the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Santa Rita Ranch
Liberty Hill, TX
This award-winning master-planned community in Liberty Hill, TX, is less than 30 miles from Austin. Set in the heart of Williamson County’s Texas Hill Country, it offers a dynamic lifestyle with modern amenities, including pools, fitness centers, parks, and nature trails. The Regency 55+ neighborhood provides exclusive amenities and events for active adults. With five distinct villages and homes from 12 top builders, Santa Rita Ranch caters to families, active adults, and retirees, fostering a strong sense of community through numerous events and activities.
Montgomery County, TX
Montgomery County, Texas is a rapidly growing area located just north of Houston. Known for its beautiful landscapes, including lakes, forests, and parks, the county boasts excellent schools, a strong economy, and a variety of recreational activities. Proximity to Houston provides easy access to major job markets, cultural attractions, and medical facilities. With a mix of suburban and rural communities, Montgomery County offers a diverse and welcoming environment for residents. Here is the area's top community:
Chambers Creek
Willis, TX
Chambers Creek in Willis, TX, is a 55+ active adult community blending natural beauty with vibrant living. Located just nine miles from Conroe, 20 miles from The Woodlands, and 50 miles from Houston, it offers easy access to local attractions like the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and North Lake Conroe Paddling Company. The community features a Tom Lehman-designed golf course, a private marina, a resort-style pool, and the Summit Amenity Center with a café and fitness center. With over 20 miles of trails, pickleball courts, and more, residents enjoy a tranquil yet active lifestyle in Montgomery County near major Texas cities.
Horry County, SC
Horry County, South Carolina is a coastal county located in the southeastern part of the state. Known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and abundant natural resources, the county is a popular tourist destination. Horry County boasts a thriving economy, driven by tourism, retail, and hospitality industries, as well as a variety of recreational activities, including golf, fishing, boating, and shopping. With a diverse population and a strong sense of community, Horry County is a desirable place to live, work, and play. This community in Myrtle Beach personifies Horry County living:
Grand Dunes
Myrtle Beach
Coastal SC at its finest, Grande Dunes is a 2,200-acre master-planned community in Myrtle Beach, SC, featuring over 5,000 homes, villas, and commercial properties. It spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, offering diverse amenities such as The Members Club golf course, the Ocean Club pool complex, and a 126-slip marina. Residents enjoy various neighborhoods including Mediterranean-style homes, active adult communities, and Lowcountry-style residences. Centrally located in Horry County, Grande Dunes is minutes from shopping, entertainment, and the Myrtle Beach International Airport, making it a prime spot in the Southeast's top vacation destination.
Pinal County, AZ
Pinal County, Arizona is a rapidly growing county located in the southeastern part of the state. With its vast desert landscapes, historical sites, and agricultural industry, the region maintains a strong economy driven by manufacturing, mining, and transportation. The county's proximity to Phoenix and Tucson provides easy access to major job markets, cultural attractions, and medical facilities. With a diverse population and a growing number of amenities, Pinal County is becoming an increasingly popular destination for residents and visitors alike, including this top-notch community:
Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community
Queen Creek, AZ
In this Pinal County, AZ community, residents 55 and over enjoy a range of resort amenities including a Tom Lehman-designed golf course, a 60,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse with tennis, fitness, and spa facilities, three pools, four restaurants, and a large amphitheater. The Algarve clubhouse adds a resort pool, poolside dining, a demonstration kitchen, artisan studio, and eight pickleball courts. Located southeast of the greater Phoenix area with less congestion and more affordable homes, Encanterra offers new two- and three-bedroom homes with single-story plans ranging from 1,342 to 2,728 sq. ft., including quick move-in options.
