Polk County in Florida, known for its citrus industry, is experiencing a population boom, with nearly 30,000 people moving to the area last year. The once dominant citrus groves are now making way for housing developments and big box stores, leading to the growth of far-flung exurbs like Haines City.
The trend of people moving further away from city centers was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as rising housing costs pushed residents to seek more affordable options in outlying communities. The demographic shift in Polk County has become more diverse, with the Hispanic population growing significantly in recent years.
For residents like Marisol Ortega, the longer commute to work is worth the tranquility and affordability of living in Haines City. Similar patterns are observed in other exurbs like Anna, Texas, where young families are moving to escape rising prices in closer-in suburbs.
The shift from citrus farming to residential and commercial development is evident in Polk County, with growers selling off their land for construction purposes. Despite these changes, the county’s political leanings have remained relatively unchanged.
As the exurbs continue to expand and push further out, residents like Schuyler Crouch are finding more reasonably priced housing options in areas once considered on the fringes of metropolitan areas. The changing landscape of these communities reflects a broader trend of migration and development in rapidly growing regions across the country.
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