Sarasota County Named No. 2 Growth City in U.S.
Sarasota County continues to witness remarkable growth, as North Port has been ranked the No. 2 growth city in the U.S. by U-Haul. This community, located in south Sarasota County, is recognized for its surge in inbound moves over the past year.
Sarasota County’s Growth and Rankings
In 2023, North Port was celebrated for being the second-fastest-growing city in the nation. U-Haul’s statistics highlight fluctuations in metropolitan populations based on net gains or losses in customers who rent their moving trucks and containers.
Top Growth Cities in Florida
- Ocala, Florida – Ranked No. 1 growth city
- North Port, Florida – Ranked No. 2 growth city
- Kissimmee and Clermont, Florida – Also in the top five
- Sarasota – Ranked No. 18 growth city
Florida dominates the growth city rankings, with eight cities in the top ten and twelve in the top twenty-five overall. Other notable cities include Fort Lauderdale, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, North Fort Myers, Leesburg, and St. Cloud.
Wellen Park and Lakewood Ranch
Wellen Park in Sarasota County has shown exceptional potential as a master-planned community. This sprawling area covers over 7,000 acres and includes various neighborhoods, shopping districts, restaurants, and a vibrant downtown. It recently ranked as No. 8 for 2025 home sales, with 992 properties sold.
Meanwhile, Lakewood Ranch, spanning Sarasota and Manatee Counties, ranked No. 2 with 2,085 home sales recorded. Both communities are preparing for further growth.
Future Projections for Florida’s Population
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state’s population is expected to reach 26 million by 2030. Given the ongoing development and appeal of the region, these projections reflect the optimistic outlook for Sarasota County and surrounding areas.
U-Haul’s Operations
Founded in 1945, U-Haul now boasts over 24,000 rental locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company operates more than 203,000 trucks, 137,400 trailers, and 41,700 towing devices, catering to those looking for do-it-yourself moving solutions.
Sarasota County’s master-planned communities, such as Wellen Park and Lakewood Ranch, continue to attract new residents and showcase the area’s potential for growth and development.
