- Survey of 3,000 real estate investors ranks the most promising empty plots of land in the U.S.
- Empty plots in Grovetown, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, Perry, Woodstock City and Pooler identified as having the most promising ROIs.
Breaking Ground: Over the past decade, the American cityscape has evolved dramatically. The speed of this transformation isn’t just seen in towering skylines or burgeoning populations but more so in the economic prosperity of its residents. Some cities, like Enterprise in Nevada and Kirkland in Washington, have rapidly climbed the ladder of growth due to their strategic locations, job opportunities, and unparalleled quality of life.
The real question for savvy investors is identifying the next real estate hotspots. To shed light on this, Moving Feedback surveyed 3,000 prospective real estate investors with a hypothetical question:
“Which city would you stake your savings on an undeveloped one-acre plot?”
Their findings, dubbed the ‘Empty Plot Index‘, spotlighted the top 200 U.S. real estate gems. Notably, Florida and Texas cities held a strong presence in the top 10.
#1
Tampa, Florida: Earning the top spot, Tampa is more than a city in expansion; it’s one sculpting its future. Investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, premier public services, and community endeavors make land in Tampa more than just a purchase; it’s a golden ticket to a city on the rise.
#2
Austin, Texas: Dubbed the world’s live music mecca, Austin’s allure extends beyond tunes. A potent blend of technological advancements, healthcare growth, and vibrant entertainment scenes make it a magnet for settlers and investors alike.
#3
Knoxville, Tennessee: As East Tennessee’s crown jewel, Knoxville, which clinched third place, prides itself on top-tier educational establishments, cultural hubs, and an elevated standard of living, promising multifaceted development prospects for vacant land.
#4
Kissimmee, Florida: Holding the fourth spot, Kissimmee isn’t merely a tourist’s paradise. The city’s enticing climate and commitment to progress beckon many to establish lasting roots, presenting a ripe landscape for real estate visionaries.
#5
North Las Vegas, Nevada: Tied closely to the growth of the larger Las Vegas area, North Las Vegas promises lucrative land investment avenues, courtesy of its diverse economy and dedication to quality living.
#6
Charlotte, North Carolina: Christened the “Queen City,” Charlotte’s soaring population and robust economy promise potential investors not just land but a foothold in a dynamically advancing city.
#7
Hempstead, New York: The lone northern city in the top 10, Hempstead isn’t just about New York City proximity. Its multi-sectoral economy and focus on infrastructure position it as a hotbed for innovative real estate projects.
#8
Phoenix, Arizona: Overcoming its water challenges, Phoenix, an emergent economic powerhouse, beckons investors with its vast developmental potential across residential and commercial segments.
#9
San Antonio, Texas: Marked ninth, San Antonio, a fast-growing urban behemoth, promises investors a blend of robust economic growth and cultural vitality.
#10
Edinburg, Texas: Positioned in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg entices with its diversified economy and continuous efforts in enhancing infrastructure and community offerings.
Georgia had 6 entries in the ‘Empty Plot Index’:
#21 Grovetown
Investing in a 1-acre lot in Grovetown offers promising potential. Grovetown’s strategic location near Augusta fuels its growth, drawing from the larger city’s economic activity while maintaining a small-town charm. With a diverse economy and investments in infrastructure, the city provides stability and employment prospects. You can explore various development options, including residential, commercial, or recreational projects, to capitalize on the city’s steady growth and appealing environment, making Grovetown a compelling choice for real estate investment.
#23 Sandy Springs
Situated in the northern part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, Sandy Springs benefits from the region’s economic and cultural vibrancy while maintaining its suburban charm. The city’s significant growth is propelled by a robust local economy, including healthcare, professional services, and retail sectors. Sandy Springs offers an attractive quality of life with diverse recreational activities and urban amenities, appealing to a broad range of residents. The city’s commitment to community development, infrastructure improvement, and public services further enhances its appeal. Investing in land here offers various development possibilities, from residential to commercial and recreational projects, with the potential for profitable returns amid ongoing development and economic growth.
#31 Suwanee
Suwanee is known for its exceptional quality of life, community involvement, and well-planned development. The city’s significant growth is driven by its attractive parks, modern amenities, and lively community events. With a robust and diverse economy spanning retail, healthcare, and technology, Suwanee offers stability and diverse employment opportunities. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, public services, and community development support its expanding population and business landscape.
#44 Perry
This friendly community’s steady expansion is fueled by its attractive environment, community engagement, and proximity to nearby job markets. Perry’s diverse economy, including agriculture, retail, and tourism, supports various employment opportunities and a thriving local business scene. The city’s commitment to community development, infrastructure, and public services further enhances its appeal. With the potential for residential, commercial, and recreational development, Perry stands out as a promising destination for real estate investment, offering the prospect of favorable returns.
#125 Woodstock City
Positioned in the northern part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, Woodstock City combines small-town charm with easy access to urban conveniences, appealing to a broad demographic. The city’s recent significant growth is attributed to its high quality of life, recreational offerings, and community-centered lifestyle. Woodstock City’s diversified economy, including retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, ensures stability and diverse job prospects. Investments in community development, infrastructure, and public services support the expanding population and business landscape.
#152 Pooler
The city’s significant growth is driven by its family-friendly environment and proximity to key economic centers. With a robust economy spanning retail, healthcare, and logistics, Pooler offers stability and diverse job opportunities. Infrastructure, education, and public services investments further support its growth. The flexibility for residential, commercial, or recreational development makes Pooler an attractive option for real estate investment, potentially yielding favorable returns.
Reflecting on the findings, Moving Feedback‘s Harrison Gough remarked: “Our research sheds light on the dynamic nature of the real estate market. It’s noteworthy to see how different cities are shaping up as potential hubs. These patterns could be instrumental in understanding broader economic and societal shifts across the nation.”
