Top 5 Growing Cities for Real Estate Investment in the South

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What if the next big real estate boom isn’t in New York or California, but in the South? Surprising, right? But it’s already happening.

Investors are moving their money from colder cities to warmer Southern ones. And this shift isn’t just a short-term thing.

According to a 2024 report by PwC, Southern cities now dominate the real estate Market. The report shows that 6 spots among the top 10 U.S. markets for property investment are located in the South. 

So, today, we’ll find out why the South is turning into a real estate goldmine and what you should know to take advantage of it.

Why Invest in Southern Real Estate?



The Southern real estate market is gaining attention. And this is for good reasons.

Texas and Florida don’t charge state income tax. That means people get to keep more of their money. Many use that extra cash to pay rent. It ensures solid returns for investors. 

Another big reason is population. People are leaving expensive states like California and New York. They’re moving to Southern cities where life is more affordable. Some of these cities add over 100,000 new residents every year. That growth drives up housing demand, rent prices, and property values.

The economy in the South has also evolved. It’s no longer just about farming. Tech companies and factories are also moving in. They bring good job opportunities and thus, the economy grows steadily.


Top 5 Southern Cities Analysis

  1. Princeton, Texas

Princeton, Texas, is now the fastest-growing city in the U.S. The population is expected to grow by 71.3% by the end of this year.

Why the sudden rise? There are two reasons for that. One, affordable homes. And the other, easy access to jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

With a strong growth score of 749 out of 1,000, Princeton is becoming a hotspot for rising home values.

The area offers good schools, nature, and space to relax. And families love the peaceful life near Lake Lavon. 

For investors, it’s a smart move. The median home price is about \$345,000, and it’s better to buy now before rates go up.

  1. Fulshear, Texas

Fulshear is another fastest-growing cities in the country. Since 2020, its population has jumped by over 190%. In 2024 alone, it grew nearly 20%.

This Houston suburb is also one of the wealthier ones in the U.S. New homes, parks, and schools are being built everywhere. It’s close to Houston’s energy corridor, which means good job opportunities are nearby. At the same time, the area stays quiet and family-friendly.

Fulshear is full of promise for investors. Property values are climbing fast. The city is entering a big growth phase, and the returns can be strong. 

  1. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte’s real estate market is growing steadily. It’s built on a strong base, which is great for careful investors who want steady returns. 

Over 100,000 people choose to move here every single year. That keeps housing in high demand. Because of that, property values keep climbing, rising between 2.3% and 4.4%.

By May 2024, the average home price reached \$398,751. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s consistent. That steady growth shows how stable the market really is.

Charlotte also has a business-friendly economy. New companies and jobs keep coming in, and even with all the growth, it’s still more affordable than many other fast-growing cities.

  1. Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is a top secret for investors. It’s not as pricey as Miami, but it offers great value. The city has a strong economy and a growing job market.

The home prices are lower here. Yet, rents are going up. That means more profit for property owners. 

Prices are affordable, and growth is consistent. For investors looking for solid returns, Jacksonville is a smart pick.

  1. Fort Worth, Texas 

Fort Worth is now ranked as the top real estate market to watch in 2025. Most houses cost less here than in other places. There are also plenty of jobs nearby.

Last year, home prices went up by 4.2% in this city. By late 2024, the median home price reached approximately $342,000. This steady rise makes Fort Worth a great place to invest.

For expert help, ResideDFW provides daily MLS updates and local insights. You can follow this site to succeed in Fort Worth’s growing market.


3 Proven Strategies to Profit in Southern Markets


From Buy-and-Hold to Short-Term Flips, here’s how to win in the South’s hottest markets.


Strategy 1: The BRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance)

If you're looking to invest in the South, approach the BRRR method. Buy affordable homes, fix them up for less, and rent them out for steady income. Then, when the time is right, refinance it to pull out the cash and reinvest.  

Strategy 2: New Construction Investment

Keep an eye on Princeton and Fulshear cities for new construction. With new jobs and homes on the rise, buying into new construction early in these cities can give you a major edge. Since people are moving in, property values is expected to climb. So, act now before the crowd catches on.  

Strategy 3: Multi-Family Portfolio Building

Southern cities are drawing workers day by day. That means rental demand is going to rise. So, build your portfolio by picking up duplexes, small apartments, or single-family rentals. Homes here cost less than in coastal cities. So, you can buy more and grow your rental income steadily. 


Your Next Move: 5 Actionable Steps Before Year-End

Step 1: Know Your Market

Start with deep research on the market. Use updated data and local reports. Look into job trends, population growth, and coming developments. These things will shape the future property values. So, take time to understand them fully before making your choice.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for Financing

Before making any offers, get your financing pre-approved. It shows the sellers that you’re serious. Since interest rates often change, locking in a good deal early can boost your profits.

Step 3: Build Local Connections

Start growing your network in the area. Connect with real estate agents, property managers, contractors, and other investors. These people can find you the best deals and sometimes manage your properties.  

Step 4: Plan Your Property Search

Don’t search blindly. Have a clear plan. Decide what kind of returns you want. Think about the cash flow, property value growth, and investing time.

Step 5: Plan for Taxes

Think about tax savings before the year ends. Use depreciation and 1031 exchanges to your advantage. These strategies can let you keep more of your money and grow your wealth long-term.

Conclusion

The Southern United States is full of opportunities for real estate investors. Investors who act quickly can benefit from big population shifts and strong local economies. 

To succeed, you need to know each market, use smart strategies, and act before the opportunity closes. The five cities mentioned are just the start. The South has much more to offer for those ready to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fastest-growing cities in the South?

Princeton, Texas is leading the race. It’s expected to grow by a huge 71.3% by 2025. Right behind it is Fulshear, Texas, growing at 19.6% each year. Other fast-growing Southern cities include Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Fort Worth, Texas.

What city is best to invest in real estate?

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is considered the best city to invest in now. But if you want faster profit, try Princeton. For more stable income, Charlotte might be right.

Which Southern city offers the best rental yields?

Texas cities often give the best rental returns. In places like Dallas, yields go above 10%. That’s well above the national average of 6.68% in mid-2025.


author

Chris Bates

"All content within the News from our Partners section is provided by an outside company and may not reflect the views of Fideri News Network. Interested in placing an article on our network? Reach out to [email protected] for more information and opportunities."

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