Latest news with #populationboom
Daily Mail
10-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Arkansas city where first ever Walmart opened sees population boom
By A quiet southern town has suddenly seen its population explode and it may all trace back to the moment it became known as the birthplace of the first-ever Walmart store. Rogers, Arkansas , once a quiet Southern town known only for being the site of the first-ever Walmart store, is undergoing a major transformation with a population boom turning it into one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Located in Benton County, Rogers has seen a rapid influx of new residents. The US Census Bureau ranked the Northwest Arkansas area as the 22nd fastest-growing metro in the nation. The population jumped from 591,895 people in 2023 to 605,615 in 2024 - with people lured by affordable real estate, strong schools, scenic parks and a thriving job market. It all started when the first-ever Walmart opened its doors on July 2, 1962 in Rogers – then called Wal-Mart Discount City. Though that original store closed long ago, the company's footprint and influence remains strong in the region. Its corporate headquarters is located nearby in Bentonville and continues to shape the local economy and housing market. Mayor Greg Hines told Daily Mail the city is growing for all the right reasons. 'Rogers is seeing steady growth as more people choose to live and work here,' he said. 'They're drawn by job opportunities, strong schools, and access to parks and trails.' The first Walmart store opened here in 1962, and that moment 'shaped the direction of the city', he explained. 'It helped attract other businesses and laid the groundwork for long-term economic growth.' Today, new residents include remote workers, young families, and retirees, drawn to the mix of quaint neighborhoods, new developments and a lower cost of living than many coastal cities. 'Today, sectors like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are driving the local economy,' he told Daily Mail. 'We're focused on planning for the future, investing in infrastructure, and quality of life initiatives to support a growing population and make sure Rogers stays a good place to live and work.' Demographically, Rogers has grown more diverse in recent years. Census data shows the Hispanic population has surged, making up over 30 percent of the city's population. The area also attracts a growing number of college-educated professionals and families looking for quality of life and career mobility. The market has something for everyone – from historic fixer-uppers under $200K, to custom lakefront mansions topping $2 million, to quaint vintage style mid-century homes. A listing for a 4-bed, 3-bath modern farmhouse with a wraparound porch and mountain views priced at less than $400K - a steal compared to what it would cost in other more pricey states. The current Walmart store in Rogers which is located a few blocks from the original site, still draws in daily shoppers. Today the company operates over 3,000 stores across the US and 1,607 abroad. Walmart did not respond to a request for comment. The Rogers Historical Museum is located just blocks from the site of the original Walmart and offers a glimpse into the city's transformation. The museum displays vintage photos, storefront recreations and shows how the once-sleepy railroad town became a booming retail hub.
Daily Mail
09-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Red state city EXPLODES in population... thanks to bizarre link to Walmart
A quiet southern town has suddenly seen its population explode and it may all trace back to the moment it became known as the birthplace of the first-ever Walmart store. Rogers, Arkansas, once a quiet Southern town known only for being the site of the first-ever Walmart store, is undergoing a major transformation with a population boom turning it into one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Located in Benton County, Rogers has seen a rapid influx of new residents. The US Census Bureau ranked the Northwest Arkansas area as the 22nd fastest-growing metro in the nation. The population jumped from 591,895 people in 2023 to 605,615 in 2024 - with people lured by affordable real estate, strong schools, scenic parks and a thriving job market. It all started when the first-ever Walmart opened its doors on July 2, 1962 in Rogers – then called Wal-Mart Discount City. Though that original store closed long ago, the company's footprint and influence remains strong in the region. Its corporate headquarters is located nearby in Bentonville and continues to shape the local economy and housing market. Mayor Greg Hines told Daily Mail the city is growing for all the right reasons. 'Rogers is seeing steady growth as more people choose to live and work here,' he said. 'They're drawn by job opportunities, strong schools, and access to parks and trails.' The first Walmart store opened here in 1962, and that moment 'shaped the direction of the city', he explained. 'It helped attract other businesses and laid the groundwork for long-term economic growth.' Today, new residents include remote workers, young families, and retirees, drawn to the mix of quaint neighborhoods, new developments and a lower cost of living than many coastal cities. 'Today, sectors like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are driving the local economy,' he told Daily Mail. 'We're focused on planning for the future, investing in infrastructure, and quality of life initiatives to support a growing population and make sure Rogers stays a good place to live and work.' The historic downtown district of Rogers, Arkansas, is seen above Demographically, Rogers has grown more diverse in recent years. Census data shows the Hispanic population has surged, making up over 30 percent of the city's population. The area also attracts a growing number of college-educated professionals and families looking for quality of life and career mobility. The market has something for everyone – from historic fixer-uppers under $200K, to custom lakefront mansions topping $2 million, to quaint vintage style mid-century homes. A listing for a 4-bed, 3-bath modern farmhouse with a wraparound porch and mountain views priced at less than $400K - a steal compared to what it would cost in other more pricey states. The current Walmart store in Rogers which is located a few blocks from the original site, still draws in daily shoppers. Today the company operates over 3,000 stores across the US and 1,607 abroad. Walmart did not respond to a request for comment. The museum displays vintage photos, storefront recreations and shows how the once-sleepy railroad town became a booming retail hub (main street stores in Rogers, Arkansas) The Rogers Historical Museum is located just blocks from the site of the original Walmart and offers a glimpse into the city's transformation. The museum displays vintage photos, storefront recreations and shows how the once-sleepy railroad town became a booming retail hub.
CNN
11-07-2025
- CNN
This outdoor paradise in Oregon vibrates with ‘go-play-all-day energy'
See More Videos There's a reason this town experienced a population boom during the pandemic that still hasn't stopped. Given the freedom to work and live anywhere, thousands have followed their bliss to a ruggedly beautiful oasis of seriously fun activities, food and beverages in central Oregon. It's a combination that lures visitors, too. MORE AMERICA'S BEST TOWNS TO VISIT 2025 1. Ithaca, NY 2. Missoula, MT 3. Asheville, NC 4. Bend, OR 5. Annapolis, MD See all 10 towns How we picked the Best Towns to Visit Share your picks for our top towns in 2026 'I think Bend just has this magnetic pull and it's full of adventure, but still small enough to feel like home. There's insane natural beauty in every direction, a super sophisticated food and drink scene, and an outdoorsy, go-play-all-day energy that's kind of infectious,' said Bend resident Todd Clement, owner of Monkless Belgian Ales. 'There's also this big entrepreneurial spirit here, so you're constantly surrounded by people doing cool things,' he said. Logging was what initially drew people to establish this town on the edge of the Cascade Mountains. Bend was named after that feature in the river that runs through it. Long before that, Indigenous peoples hunted and fished this land. Prev Next Dozens of nearby lakes offer fishing and boating recreation. There's whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and much more in a 60-mile radius. The prominent Bend fashion look is of active leisurewear; you feel as though you've stepped into an REI or North Face catalog. You don't even need to leave the pretty town to soak in the nature and recreation. A walking and biking trail lines the winding, picturesque Deschutes River through town, a popular destination for campervans and picnickers. The riverbed was even engineered to create a river surfing wave in the Old Mill District. The recently upgraded Hayden Homes Amphitheater, the town's outdoor music venue, lies along the river. Don't be surprised to see a family of deer strolling its empty parking lot while a gaggle of geese hang out on the big lawn, waiting for the next show. James Taylor, Sting and Mumford & Sons are among the Hayden headliners this summer. ESSENTIAL BEND EAT: Al fresco and a la carte at The Podski food cart lot DRINK: The cleverly named cocktails at Dogwood at the Pine Shed STAY: In converted classrooms at McMenamins Old St. Francis School SEE: History and nature come alive at the High Desert Museum Across from downtown's Tower Theatre, a leading performance space for live music and theater in the region, is a Birkenstock store — a classic Bend juxtaposition. A 10-minute drive south of town, at the edge of Deschutes National Forest, is the entertaining High Desert Museum, with up-close wildlife experiences and detailed, life-size dioramas depicting the region's Native peoples and the waves of settlement that followed. It's a great primer for exploring Bend. Museum visitors walk through exhibits depicting campsites, a dark mineshaft, a saloon and a town main street where you may be greeted by a fact-filled docent in period 'teacher' costume. There are artifacts and sound effects as well as live native animals, including bobcats and porcupines. Outside, visitors can peer underwater to see the graceful swimming of playful otters. Another five minutes farther south on Route 97 is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument with a lava tube cave you can explore. Deeper into Deschutes National Forest is Mount Bachelor, the best skiing and hiking you could ask for just a 30-minute drive from town. There are more than 100 ski runs to tackle during the long season, but you can also explore on foot, or pedal, off-season. A wide 4.5-mile Evergreen Trail on Bachelor opened up to hikers and downhill bikers just last year. Bikers take a ski lift to the top to cycle down and hikers have the option to take it either direction. Bend's outdoor ethos extends into accommodation offerings. The Deschutes riverside Tumalo State Park Campground is a 15-minute drive north of downtown and includes yurts. In town, the campy, rustic-chic Campfire Hotel (motel, really) has a saltwater pool that's heated up to 100 degrees in winter and emblazoned on the bottom with a campfire logo, and the branded items in its swag shop include a flask, metal camp cup, a marshmallow roasting fork and a s'mores kit for use at the hotel's outdoor fire pits. Rooms come with portable vintage camp chairs and acoustic guitars. There's a hot tub next to the pool, and the lively, wood-paneled Canteen cocktail bar sits just off the lobby; the hotel hosts DJ pool parties throughout the year. Across the street, Campfire's restaurant neighbor, Fire on the Mountain, serves fried Oreos and Twinkies along with beer and their signature Buffalo wings. If you stay in a house rental, you may want to find one that has a DVD player, for the excuse to patronize the World's Last Blockbuster. Bend is home to the last location of the once-ubiquitous movie rental chain. Anyone can sign up and get a membership and then browse for titles (new releases too) like they used to do back in the Wild West of pre-streaming. The store is a destination even without renting a movie, with informative displays on staff favorites such as 'Back to the Future' and the Indiana Jones series, as well as plenty of Blockbuster-branded clothes and cups for sale. Beer is the leitmotif of McMenamins Old St. Francis School, where classrooms-turned-hotel rooms take up a full city block, including a half dozen drinking establishments — one pub behind a hidden door, like a speakeasy. Guest rooms are named after staff of the former Catholic school. There's a theater (with first-run films for guests and visitors), and a heated soaking pool that features water-spitting lions and mosaic depictions of St. Francis doing good animal husbandry works. At Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie, you can genuflect before the Shepplekofeggan, a Witbier in honor of 'friendship,' the cleverly named 'Dubbel or Nothing' and many more. But its biggest asset may be the location. Overlooking the Deschutes River just across from the Hayden, the brasserie offers customers a chance to strategically book a table on the deck to enjoy a free outdoor concert, along with all the resourceful tubers on the water. If you want to go all-in on just the breweries, you can make a game of it (with prizes), along the Bend Ale Trail. 'Bend has become one of the best beer towns in the country, not just because we have a high number of breweries, but because of the genuine community and collaboration that exists among us,' said Clement of Monkless Belgian Ales. Located in the up-and-coming Eastside area of town, Dogwood at the Pine Shed opened in February and quickly became the cool new hangout, whether it's in their designated book nook area or under the disco ball. The cocktails are inventive, tasty and delightful to order, with names such as the Juan Connery (Scotch, pimms and chipotle), Beetnik (made with an 'earthy' beet vodka), and the Absinthe Minded. The menu also represents the local trend in zero proof and low-ABV cocktails, so those cutting down on alcohol don't need to cut down on fun. A standard 10 p.m. weekday closing time is a feature of Bend nightlife that has its fans and detractors, but there are several choice options to keep the party going 'after hours.' Among them, San Simón is a romantically dusky lounge located off Tin Pan Alley (next to the indie movie theater of the same name). The drinks, such as the locally inspired Last Blockbuster (jalapeño-infused tequila and Mexican grapefruit soda), compete for your attention alongside the large shrine to the legend of Saint Simón, 'the patron saint of debauchery.' Bend is spoiled for great coffee hangs to get the day buzzing. The bright and airy Sparrow Bakery has full breakfast options to pair with its legendary pastry, which is called an Ocean Roll — a fluffy cinnamon bun but with cardamom and vanilla, served warm. Looney Bean is a cute wooden cabin of a coffee shop with lawn seating that stretches down to the river's edge while you sip a chai-espresso Dirty Hippy. On a recent bright spring morning, Looney Bean staff and customers shared their exploits at a recent local music festival, of which Bend hosts many. And the cozy-hued Lone Pine Coffee Roasters downtown, with apple pie among its pastry options, lets fresh air into its stuffed leather-couch seating when its garage door is open. The Podski food cart lot is an ideal introduction to Bend's strong food truck game. This particular postcard-sized picnic area has a bar and a large wood-burning outdoor heater. Friends in matching bike outfits, out-of-towners and families all mingle over pierogies, Thai dishes, cheesecake, Italian street food, oysters and a quirky vending machine selling magic tricks, romance novels, sunscreen, rose-colored glasses and whoopee cushions. The plant-based Toasty food truck is a stand-out lunch choice; their Buffalo (faux) chick'n crunchwrap is pure mouth joy. 'The many food truck pods are a nice bonus to the overall vibe of Bend, where people with different tastes can coalesce in an outdoor space,' said Toasty owner Brooke Preim-Tobias. 'The food is often more affordable and you can soak up some sun while you eat and drink.' Mondo Pizza, which can start getting crowded as soon as they open at 11 a.m., makes for a great fuel stop to explore downtown, where a bookstore cafe (Dudley's) sits next to a wool shop, next to a store that specializes in crystals and advertises tarot readings. The colorful and justly popular El Sancho Taco Shop Westside takes the food truck spirit to the next level. The small kitchen and patio seating create a convivial space from which to enjoy excellent tacos and tamales alongside freshly squeezed margaritas. And a high-end representation of the trend in buzzy chefs hanging their shingle in Bend, is the neo-cowboy steakhouse, Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, near El Sancho on the Westside. Chef Brian Malarkey (of 'Top Chef' fame) and his brother James have created a nearly theatrical space with Chinese lanterns hanging over the big bar; cowboy-themed wallpaper, Western photos, cowboy hats and guitars adorning the walls; and large private tables under tents. Signature drinks at Hawkeye include the bourbon-led Doc Holliday and a lavender gin concoction topped in a barista-like floral froth design called the Goodbye Earl. Beyond the steak options, the kitchen is known for its woodfired pizza, cast iron mac & cheese, beef fat fries and creamy Campfire Cornbread. It's high-end dining, for sure, but Bend is such a casual town that it's as appropriate to wear a flannel shirt and Vans as a button-down shirt and jacket. Bend is still growing and evolving. The restaurant and bar scenes are playing one-upmanship, each new spot trying to outshine what came before. The Eastside is in a revival, and downtown is expanding into what's being called the Bend Central District. Recreation options are becoming more accessible, with more kayak launches being built for the river and new adaptive mountain biking trails designed for those with mobility limitations. Whenever you visit Bend, there is going to be a new, hip place to go, mixed with the classics. That popularity does come at a price — the need for reservations at many restaurants now, for example, and crowded parking lots at nearby lakes. Bend's remoteness, while part of its appeal, also means that getting there takes some effort. Portland is the nearest major city, and it's more than a 3-hour drive away. Redmond Airport, just outside Bend, has direct flights to and from cities such as Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, but travelers coming from most other cities will have to take a connecting flight. But with a little determination — in the true spirit of the West — you can access this wondrous expanse of nature and the town that grew up inside it. Bend is an outdoors playground with a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. This seafaring town brings the past to life
The National
01-07-2025
- Business
- The National
'Education, lifestyle and security': New residents tell why they made UAE move
Globe-trotting residents fuelling a population boom in the UAE have told how new career opportunities, high quality schooling and the prospect of greater financial security and safety prompted them to set up home in the country. Newcomers drawn from as far afield as India, the UK and Denmark have opened up on their decision to seek out new horizons in the Emirates as an influx of overseas talent continues to spur economic growth. It was revealed this week that Abu Dhabi's population has now surpassed four million, fuelled by a 9 per cent increase to its workforce in 2024, while Dubai is primed to hit the same landmark figure this year. Sharjah's population grew from 1.4 million in 2015 to 1.8 million in 2022, the emirate's most recent census in 2023 revealed. 'Selling Saadiyat' Among those making the move are Justin and Jaime Cooke, a husband and wife who relocated with their two sons to Abu Dhabi in August 2024 from a countryside estate near Royal Tunbridge Wells in England. 'We had been considering leaving the UK for quite some time. While in many ways we had an idyllic life, we felt the need for change,' said Mr Cooke. After evaluating destinations as varied as Canada, California, the Balearic Islands and Dubai, it was Abu Dhabi that eventually ticked all the boxes for 'education, lifestyle, security, culture, business and economic security and opportunity, proximity to family, global connectivity'. Education proved decisive. 'Jaime was amazed by the education system here and the plethora of schools to choose from,' added Mr Cooke. That discovery was made even sweeter when they learned that their children's former head teacher in the UK is now running Brighton College Abu Dhabi. The family now lives on Saadiyat Island. 'We have swapped the lush green rolling hills of Kent for the idyllic white sands, turquoise waters, turtles, dolphins and mangroves of Saadiyat, the world's most concentrated cultural quarter,' they said. For Ms Cooke, the transition has also opened up new personal and professional avenues. 'Jaime has become a real estate broker very much 'Selling Saadiyat' and has already chalked up more than 100 million of sales,' said Mr Cooke. 'In between that she teaches Pilates... as well as DJ'ing at some of Abu Dhabi's coolest beach clubs under her moniker, DJ Cookie.' From Mumbai to Dubai Another newcomer banking on the city's property sector is Umang Lakhani, who arrived from Mumbai three months ago. 'I've never lived anywhere else, but I've travelled a lot,' he told The National. As a property and land broker, he has high hopes for his career, as he taps into one of the UAE's fastest-growing industries. In 2024, Dubai saw 226,000 real estate transactions valued at a record Dh761 billion, a 36 per cent jump in volume compared to the previous year. In June, a Deutsche Bank report showed Dubai has recorded the highest growth globally for city centre property prices per square metre over the past five years. While he is inspired by the career potential his new home holds, he said living here is not always easy. 'The most challenging thing here is expenses,' he said, although this won't deter him yet, as he also sees so many advantages to living here. 'There are days where I want to stay here forever … The people out here surprise me as they all live like one family.' Education sector a major draw While the UAE becomes a haven for the wealthy - the country is expected to attract a record 9,800 relocating millionaires this year alone, according to Henley & Partners Wealth Migration Report 2025 - it is also seeing people from all income brackets arrive. Take Mohammad Joun, a university student who moved from Karachi to Dubai in January. His decision was more practical. Initially intending to study in Germany, logistical hurdles shifted his plans. 'Dubai became a life saver, a very practical one,' he said. With a strong family network in the UAE, including grandparents and aunts, Dubai quickly became an obvious new choice. 'Living with my grandparents felt like the best decision,' he said. Though the adjustment was difficult at first, Mr Joun has settled into university life and enjoys the multicultural nature of the city. 'I now have friends from Sri Lanka, Singapore, Iran and Mauritania – along with many fellow Pakistani and Indian students. It's been a really enriching experience.' Still, the cost of living has been an eye-opener. 'Almost everything here is three to four times more expensive than back home,' he said, adding that his daily university commute between Sharjah and Dubai costs around Dh31, a big expense for a student. 'Managing finances here requires constant awareness.' 'Positively surprised' Anne Kidmose, originally from Denmark, has also experienced challenges since moving to Dubai in May from Tanzania with her husband and infant son. But this is mostly down to the summer heat and fewer opportunities to walk around the city. Otherwise, she's been 'positively surprised' so far. 'We just started our family," she said. 'We wanted to see the world and also try to move ahead with our lives. It's very family-friendly here. People help out a lot. Even though we've only been here for a few weeks, we've met people from all over the world.' Ms Kidmose has also been struck by the city's culture, despite global perceptions. 'People told me there is this conception about Dubai as a place of glitz and big cars and tall buildings. I guess that's also true, but what I've seen is there are also other cultural layers when you dig deeper.'
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Southern city named as the fastest growing in America - but locals say it's not all good news
A city in North Texas has been named the fastest growing in America after a boom in population in just one year, according to the US Census Bureau. Princeton, around 45 miles north of Dallas, saw a 30 percent increase in population from July 2023 to July 2024, with a now estimated 37,000 residents from 28,000. The number is more than double the city's population in 2020, and has brought many new jobs to the area. Yet, locals say the city has been left scrambling for resources as the huge increase of people strains their water supply and schools and city services are struggling to keep up. Their mayor, Eugene Escobar Jr., said that after living in the area for a decade he has seen the city's major transformation. Escobar remembers Princeton's only two stoplights and having to go to the next town over to shop. Now, with several more stoplights, Princeton also has its own Walmart. He added that the city had to implement a temporary moratorium on new home construction so infrastructure can keep pace, Associated Press reported. According to Escobar, the city's major influx in population is due to Princeton's affordability and small-town feel. 'It's still cheaper to commute and live in Princeton than maybe live closer to work,' he said. The median house prices in the city sit at $325,000, which is still lower than nearby suburbs, AP reported. Princeton added twice as many houses between 2020 and 2023 as it did in the previous decade, according to census data, the Texas Tribune reported. Durrie Lee Caldwell, a resident of the city since 1961 when its population was only 800 people, recalled to WFAA how he has witnessed it transform. 'Princeton is home for me,' Caldwell said. 'We go from nothing to what it is now.' He recalled how the land was nothing but cows, cantaloupes and cotton, with Highway 380 standing as a two-lane partially gravel road. 'I knew it was gonna hit one of these days. And it hit good for me,' he added. 'We're going to get [the growth] one way or another. You might as well like it.' Escobar told WFAA: 'They want infrastructure. They want things for kids to do. What my goal moving forward is to make sure Princeton is a place where families want to live and stay here.' City officials are attempting to find ways to keep up with the booming population, including improving public amenities with a $109 million bond program to reinvigorate the city's parks. 'We have the ability to dictate what future generations are going to enjoy in Princeton and frame that identity today,' City Manager Michael Mashburn told the Texas Tribune. Princeton is one of many Texas cities experiencing a boom in population. Fort Worth surpassed Austin as the fourth-largest city in Texas with now more than 1 million residents, Fox 4 reported. In addition to Princeton, three other cities in Collin County - Celina, Anna and Melissa - were also among the 15 fastest growing cities nationally. The flocks of people to the southern cities has been reported as a result of many major companies moving their headquarters into Texas. Companies such as SpaceX, Chevron and Oracle all moved to Texas in search of its low taxes and limited regulation. Robert Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of News Corp, was equally enthusiastic about the move to Texas. a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, announced it is relocating its headquarters from Santa Clara to Austin in February. 'We are proud to be housed in a state which understands the crucial role played by business in providing opportunities for personal growth, professional success and community achievement,' Thomson said of the announcement. 'Our investment in Austin is a downpayment on The American Dream.' SpaceX owner Elon Musk cited abundance of housing and lower taxes as reasons for moving Tesla's offices from California to Texas. Chevron claimed its own relocation was due to increased environmental and business regulations in the blue state. California has strict fuel-quality rules which were imposed to limit harmful emissions and curb environmental damage. According to oil industry analysts, such regulations make it more expensive to produce oil in California, compared to other states.
