IMAGE VIA VISIT FLORIDA
Wildwood, Florida (Website), a modest city located roughly 50 miles northwest of Orlando, has been named the fastest-growing city in the country by U.S. News & World Report, based on a dramatic 19.5% net migration rate from 2020 to 2024, boosting its population to around 34,933 residents.
According to Southern Living, the surge is largely attributed to Wildwood’s appeal as a retirement haven, featuring the southernmost tip of The Villages’ expansive golf courses, themed dining, and a calendar full of community activities. Its warm climate, lakeside recreation, charming downtown shops, and easy access to both Orlando and Tampa make it attractive not only to retirees but also to remote workers and sun-seekers.
Among 859 cities analyzed, Wildwood topped the list, outpacing second-place Hilton Head Island, SC (7%) and third-place Leander, TX (6.8%). The city’s rise reflects a broader national trend, where Southern communities dominate rapid growth due to affordability and quality of life.
Check out Visit Florida’s cultural roundup of Wildwood HERE, which is complete with recommendations like The Baker House, Scarlett O’Hara Theater, the Coleman Landing Boat Ramp, and more.
