Just outside of Houston, a once tranquil area has claimed the title of America’s fastest-growing city, expanding over elevenfold in less than ten years.

Fulshear, historically a sleepy railroad stop west of Houston, has been recognized as the leading town in terms of growth in the United States, as highlighted by a recent StorageCafe study.

In Fort Bend County, this community has ballooned from a modest population of 2,300 in 2014 to nearly 27,000 by 2023—a remarkable 1,082% increase. Recent data from the US Census Bureau indicates that the population has surged again, now exceeding 42,600 residents.

Once considered a serene rural area, Fulshear has rapidly become a sought-after destination for those seeking more space, modern housing, and highly-rated educational institutions, making it a top choice for families relocating from Houston.

“Imagine top-tier schools, picturesque neighborhoods, and the charm of a small town—it’s like something out of a movie,” remarked local realtor Daniel DiPetta.

‘Fulsher has consistently been one of the fastest growing cities in the US — that means new homes with new amenities. Builders are racing to keep up with demand.’   

Just 30 miles from downtown Houston, the suburb offers open green space and sprawling master-planned communities packed with resort-style amenities — while remaining within commuting distance of one of America’s largest job markets. 

‘With its blend of a relaxed lifestyle, urban conveniences, top-rated schools and strong job opportunities, Fulshear consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas,’ the report said.

The quiet countryside town of Fulshear, west of Houston, Texas, has officially arrived as a US real estate hotspot

A new development in Fulshear, one of the fastest growing cities in the US. It has new homes with new amenities and builders are racing to keep up with demand

‘Think top rated schools, think gorgeous neighborhoods and small town charm, something out of a movie,’ said local realtor Daniel DiPetta

Much of Fulshear’s rise can be credited to its modern master-planned communities, which have transformed the once-rural town into a family-friendly place to live.

Among the most sought-after neighborhoods are Cross Creek Ranch, Fulbrook, Jordan Ranch, Weston Lakes, and Polo Ranch, which all offer distinct lifestyles and home prices. 

Cross Creek Ranch, spanning 3,200 acres, features over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, pools, splash pads, a dog park, fitness center, café, and homes priced from $250,000 to over $1 million. The community is zoned to the top-rated Katy Independent School District and offers low taxes.

Fulbrook caters to buyers seeking larger estate-style homes surrounded by nature. Properties sit on oversized lots with lake and reserve views, with prices ranging from roughly $500,000 to more than $2 million. Amenities include a community center, pool, parks, trails and tennis courts. 

Jordan Ranch, one of the newer developments, is aimed squarely at families. It features a large communal clubhouse, lazy river, pool, parks, trails and a soccer field. Homes start around $220,000 and climb past $500,000, with access to award-winning schools. 

Other gated communities in the area are built around championship golf courses, adding to Fulshear’s appeal for retirees and higher-end buyers. 

The suburb’s rise has not gone unnoticed. 

Fulshear ranked as the No. 2 fastest-growing US city in a 2023 StorageCafe study and recently topped GoBankingRates’ list of the fastest-growing affluent suburbs in America for 2025. 

Fulshear, seen here, also ranked as the No. 2 fastest-growing US city in a 2023 StorageCafe study and recently topped GoBankingRates’ ranking of the fastest-growing affluent suburbs in America for 2025

Cross Creek Ranch, spanning 3,200 acres, features over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, pools, splash pads, a dog park, fitness center, café, and homes priced from $250,000 to over $1 million

Downtown Fulshear, where the appeal lies in its low crime rate, easy way of life, and everyday convenience like a beautiful downtown

Covered walkways in Fulshear Run, a community of new homes built around nature and creeks that residents can use

A home in Fulshear Run, one of the developments in the area that has grown in population over the last decade

Cross Creek Ranch is named for the actual ranch that sits on its property. Residents enjoy a slew of amenities connected to nature

Cotton candy skies settle in after rainstorm in Fulshear, Texas, which has become a fast growing suburb of Houston

Fulshear has miles of walkways, parks, lakes, rivers and greenery its residents enjoy year round

Beyond housing, Fulshear’s appeal lies in its low crime rate, easy way of life, and everyday convenience.

Just a short drive from many of the gated communities is downtown Fulshear, which offers a mix of small-town charm and modern shops.

Tree-lined streets are home to preserved buildings housing boutiques such as Cobblestone Cottage and Dogwood Lane Goods.  

The food scene punches above its weight for a suburb of its size. Dozier’s BBQ is a local institution known for smoked brisket, ribs and sausage, while Essence House Café draws crowds for homemade breakfasts and lunches. 

Wine bars and small breweries are tucked among historic landmarks.  

For residents interested in the town’s past, the Viola Heritage House Museum and local historical tours trace Fulshear’s evolution from a small farming and railroad community to one of Texas’s fastest-growing suburbs. 

The Fulshear Historical Association in nearby Katy offers guided tours about the town’s past, from its early days as a small farming community to a thriving suburban town. The Viola Heritage House Museum downtown also shows Fulshear’s history.

Even more change is on the way. Fulshear Central, a new mixed-use development, is currently under construction and set to open soon with a massive central gathering space and a blend of retail, dining, and 16 acres of parks and green spaces, with over 20 miles of interconnected trails.

Developers say the area will host free picnics, outdoor concerts and community events. 

Fulbrook offers nature lovers large estate lots with lake and reserve views. These gated communities hav e modern amenities like pools and shaded playgrounds

In Fulbrook, homes range from $500,000 to over $2 million, with amenities including a community center, pool, parks, trails, and tennis courts

Fulshear has lots of nature while still being just 30 miles from Downtown Houston, where many residents commute for work

The Houston area’s population boom over the past few years has really caused Fulshear’s demand for housing, with home values rising 60 percent over the last decade

Fulshear, Texas, where the rise of remote and hybrid work and soaring living costs are all reshaping where people choose to live

Just one of the pools inside the Jordan Ranch development in Fulshear, which has seen a boom in popularity due to its housing

The Brazos River, which runs along the edge of Fulshear, is popular for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

The Houston area’s population boom over the past few years has really caused Fulshear’s demand for housing, with home values rising 60 percent over the last decade, according to the report.

The average Fulshear home is $527,109, up 0.2 percent over the past year, reports Zillow.

‘Population growth is far from even across the US. Some cities are experiencing significant increases, directly driven by steady in-migration, rising immigration and birth rates outpacing death rates,’ the report said.

‘But what’s fueling these trends runs deeper — economic and social forces like shifting job markets, the rise of remote and hybrid work and soaring living costs are all reshaping where people choose to live.’