Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read February 2023 — In the latest report released by the National Association of Realtors, Texas was the second most popular destination for relocation in the country in 2022. With 230,961 residents moving to the state, Texas saw a 1.6% population increase from the previous year.
There are many factors that contribute to the amount of people flocking to the state, with one of the most prominent being the cost of living. Texas boasts a cost of living that is 8% lower than the national average.
Within Texas, San Antonio is holding its own among the major metro areas. According to the report, looking at inbound moves between 2019 and 2022, the Dallas Metro takes top billing in Texas at 16.4%, San Antonio is second with 9.4%, Corpus Christi at 7.9% and Houston takes fourth at 7.7%
“We’re in a great city with great people who have a great attitude,” Tom Rohde, president of Rohde Ottmers Siegel Realty, told Invest:. “We’ve had great politicians who care more about the city than politics. It’s just a great place to be. It’s our time to shine in Texas.”
Between July 2020 and July 2021, San Antonio had the biggest increase in population than any other city in the nation according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Bureau recorded that 13,626 people moved to Alamo City during that time, taking the population from 1,438,227 to 1,451,853.
Surrounding areas play a pivotal role in the population increase of Greater San Antonio. Georgetown had the largest population percentage growth from July 2020 and July 2021, at 10.5%. Leander came in second at 10.1%, and New Braunfels reached an 8.3% growth rate.
“When you look at the numbers, we’ve grown 16.9% as a city from the 2010 to the 2020 census and Guadalupe County has grown 31%,” Chester Jenke, president of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce told Invest: “Our goal as a Chamber is for the city to grow but to maintain its small-town feel. With this sudden influx, we need to remain ahead of things like infrastructure to be able to serve these people. ”
That sentiment is carried by the numerous construction and infrastructure projects currently underway in the region, the largest of which is the redevelopment of the airport. The plan includes new gates, a new ground loading facility and new service lines.
“I do see a few growing pains because we are growing so rapidly,” Sid Martinez, executive director of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, told Invest:. “There is construction everywhere, which can be frustrating. We are seeing growth from so many different entities and sectors, which puts a strain on our regional infrastructure. Again, in my opinion, construction is a sign of a healthy region. We are growing so rapidly that I sometimes forget not everyone is experiencing this across the country.”
