Blog
Traditionally, people chose a home within a reasonable commute to their work location. When job opportunities in a certain location grew rapidly, so did the population, making the city a “boomtown.” (More on that later.)
The way Texans work is changing, and it affects the choices we make about where we live. Remote work trends that began during the pandemic have persisted beyond quarantine. Because more people now work from home, so-called “zoom towns” have emerged.
Hillwood Communities is at the forefront of these market dynamics. Our new home communities throughout Texas are perfect for remote workers and offer a whole host of amenities, onsite schools, and hundreds of planned activities, events, and classes residents can enjoy each year without even leaving the neighborhood.
What Are Boomtowns in Texas?
“Boom” is a term used to describe a rapid and sudden increase in activity or growth. The term boomtown was first used to describe towns that saw rapid growth due to the discovery of oil nearby. Since then, boomtown has been used to refer to any town or city growing rapidly. In recent years, sunbelt states have seen rapid growth, and Texas towns on the outskirts of larger cities have exploded in population. This rapid expansion can be due to traditional urban development or industrial or economic booms.
To measure the growth of small towns on the outskirts of larger cities, examining the expansion of their school district enrollment offers an insightful lens on the pockets of growth in individual small towns that make up a larger geographic area. An increase in school enrollment typically signals a large influx of families moving to these smaller communities. While overall population growth in these areas might be influenced by various factors, a rising school enrollment provides a more specific and immediate indicator of family-driven growth, which is often a key characteristic of their development.
The chart below shows many of the fastest growing school districts in Texas from 2018-2023. It’s interesting to note that these districts largely serve small towns on the outskirts of large metropolitan areas. For instance, Prosper, Celina, Melissa, Argyle, Northwest (Northlake, Justin), and Denton ISDs (Denton, Little Elm) all service areas within a forty five minute drive (or less) from Dallas or Fort Worth. The enrollments of these districts are growing largely because many families are relocating due to the huge employment opportunities available in these areas, which makes them boomtowns.
| District Name | 2018 Enrollment | 2023 Enrollment | 6-yr growth % |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROSPER ISD | 12,133 | 24,983 | 105.91% |
| MELISSA ISD | 2,792 | 5,654 | 102.51% |
| ARGYLE ISD | 2,716 | 4,966 | 82.84% |
| CELINA ISD | 2,576 | 3,897 | 51.28% |
| NORTHWEST ISD | 23,141 | 29,248 | 26.39% |
| ALVIN ISD | 24,852 | 29,188 | 17.45% |
| GEORGETOWN ISD | 11,537 | 13,155 | 14.02% |
| DENTON ISD | 29,420 | 32,521 | 10.54% |
What Are Zoom Towns?
Zoom towns are communities that are growing rapidly due to remote work trends and the desire for more affordable, family-friendly living outside big cities. The trend isn’t going away, even though the pandemic is over. The number of remote workers increased from 17.9% of U.S. workers 16+ in October 2022 to 23.7% in February 2025.
Zoom towns are typically located within a short distance from a large city’s entertainment and cultural opportunities but in new communities with stable broadband for work, schools, and amenities for the entire family within the neighborhood.
The quality of life for residents may improve after a move to a zoom town because parents spend less time commuting and have the flexibility to participate in their children’s school and after-school events. Indoor and outdoor fitness options are available nearby, and families that could only afford a small home with a tiny yard in the city can afford a larger home with more space to stretch out. Many locations offer outdoor walking and biking trails, parks, and open spaces for community gatherings, spontaneous play, and enjoying the outdoors.
Many of the growing cities served by the school districts noted above have all the criteria just mentioned. This is particularly true when that city is home to one or more planned communities with a convenient location offering an assortment of amenities, recreational opportunities, strong schools, and lots of ways to connect with your neighbors.
Key Differences Between Boomtowns and Zoom Towns
Understanding the difference between boomtowns and zoom towns is essential to making sound long-term homebuying decisions.
Boomtowns
Growth of boomtowns is shaped largely by outside influences. Here are some typical characteristics of boomtowns:
- Housing and infrastructure development
- Rapid population growth
- Economic expansion
- Expansion of employment opportunities
- Potential for economic diversification
Zoom Towns
Moving to a zoom town is more about lifestyle factors. Here are five reasons people move to Zoom towns:
- Lower-priced housing
- More home for the money
- Ability to work remotely
- Better work-life balance
- Proximity to enjoy nature/natural beauty
How These Trends Impact Texas Communities
Understanding these growth trends allows Texas homebuyers great flexibility to choose how and where they want to live. When housing opportunities in major metropolitan areas are scarce and expensive, a home in a planned community offers the right combination of amenities and community engagement to create a rich and satisfying life.
For instance, Hillwood Communities are intentionally designed to create an aesthetically pleasing, convenient, community-oriented lifestyle that prioritizes relationship-building with neighbors. Each community embraces the land’s natural features, and the trees and open spaces become part of the community’s personality. Careful selection of building sites in up-and-coming towns in Texas promotes home price appreciation and enduring value for homeowners.
Our Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ approach to placemaking is second to none, and we have a full-time, on-site lifestyle manager to bring it all together. Our events promote togetherness, build friendships, and inspire growth. Clubs, events, and festivals engage families and bring neighbors together.
When we design one of our communities, we target land in top school districts with the goal that an on-site school will be built there in the future. Like in the small towns of years past, the school becomes the center of the community.
We also evaluate transportation availability. What major highways are close by for those who commute to work? How far is the nearest major city for access to entertainment and dining opportunities?
FAQs About Zoom Towns & Boomtowns in Texas
What is a boomtown?
A boomtown is a rapidly growing city due to economic or industrial drivers. Sometimes a mild climate plays a role in the city’s growth, as well. In years past, for instance, many boomtowns cropped up due to the discovery of oil.
What cities were created as boomtowns?
The original boomtown in Texas was Beaumont. When the Spindletop oil well came in to the south of Beaumont, it stimulated the growth of companies such as Gulf Oil, Texaco, and Humble. Refineries and oil field equipment companies began to serve the oil industry, and the population quickly rose from 10,000 to 50,000. Houston also benefited from the boom, eventually having the world’s largest number of refineries and petrochemical plants.
What are some up-and-coming towns in Texas?
Some of the fastest-growing towns in Texas now are Cleveland, Prosper, Celina, Northlake, Argyle, Melissa, Manvel, and Princeton. Most are in the DFW metroplex or greater Houston.
Experience the Future of Texas Living with Hillwood Communities
While boomtowns are happening due to economic growth and the natural path of urban expansion, zoom towns are growing because families are looking for a different living experience – an active, social way of life in touch with the environment.
Understanding the housing trends in Texas is critical for making wise real estate choices for today and tomorrow. We’re here to help. Get more tips and information on buying a new home, and explore our new home communities today to see what the future holds!
