Summary

Rural areas across the U.S. are transforming as affordable housing shortages push people further from urban centers.

Celina, Texas, leads this trend, experiencing a 27% population surge in 2023 alone. It grew from 7,000 residents a decade ago to over 43,000, as reported by the Census.

Lower housing costs and available land attract newcomers, but rapid growth is replacing farmland and small-town traditions with dense developments and chain stores.

While some welcome affordable lifestyles and opportunities, others face rising costs, loss of community, and strained infrastructure.