Pennsylvania: This is the Fastest-Growing Town in the State

What's a boomtown, and what Pennsylvania towns are considered boomtowns? First of all, boomtowns are the fastest-growing cities in America, because of fast rapid business and population growth. They're the hot spot to live and buy property, and they're only getting hotter.

So, which boomtowns are, well, booming around America? GOBankingRates recently released a study with the biggest boomtowns in every state. To conduct the study, they looked at the "one-, five- and eight-year changes in population, occupied housing units and owner-occupied housing units of cities with a population of more than 25,000 but less than 500,000."

So, which Pennsylvania town is the fastest-growing in the entire state? The answer is Hazleton. According to the study, the change in population for that town in one year is 18.28%, five years is 17.57% and eight years is 16.27%. That's a lot of positive growth across the board. The change in occupied housing units is also growing fast. For one year, the rate is 18.59%; for five years, it's 18.68%; and for eight years, it's 17.10%. Finally, the change in owner-occupied housing units is 22.36% for one year, 5.70% for five years and 5.25% for eight years.

Hazelton, according to the VisitPA.com website, "Owes its fame and fortune to two incongruously paired goods: coal and silk. Located on one of only two pockets of anthracite coal in the world, the city got its start when Asa Packer started mining and canal operations in the 1830s. This brought the railroads to town; at one point the nearby Weatherly terminal dispatched more than 100 trains a day." Today, it's home to the Duplan Silk Corporation, at one time produced about 25 million yards of cloth a year. VistPA.com adds, "Visitors to Hazleton today can enjoy boating, skiing, and fishing. Penn State maintains a branch campus here." Find the full list of the most booming cities in America here.

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, but how does it rank when it comes to being a top travel destination in the United States? As it turns out, we're high on the list.

The crew at Airport Parking Reservations has released a list of the most popular states to travel to in America. "Big, sprawling cities, vast national parks, and white sandy beaches: the USA really does have it all," they state in the article. "Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, the US can offer it, which is why it’s such a top travel destination for travelers all around the world."

They add that, "with each state unique in its culture, food, and attractions, you’ll enjoy a different experience in each one." To do the study, they analyzed search data for flights across 72 countries to find out which states are the most popular to travel to from outside the US.

They also note that searches for "American holidays 2023" have increased by +6,849% in the last 12 months. Perhaps it's the post-pandemic travel surge. Either way, it sounds like a lot of people will be traveling to America in the coming months. Read on for a list of the top 5 most popular states to travel to, according to Airport Parking Reservations.

Of course the sunshine state would make the top five. I'm surprised it isn't higher. Airport Parking Reservations states, "Rounding up our top five most visited states is Florida, with it featuring in the top five in 35 countries. It’s come top in Libya and Uruguay, and second in China and Canada, and its main draw is Orlando, which is home to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld."

Michigan is a beautiful state no matter the season. Airport Parking Reservations states, "10 countries’ most visited state is Michigan – interestingly, all of which are located in south and central America, including Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Mexico, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica all voted it second, and with Michigan being rated third, fourth, and fifth in 33 countries, it’s made its way into fourth place." They also note that while "Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing" are popular destinations, so is Michigan’s countryside."

Airport Parking Reservations states, "With its beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery, there’s no other state quite like Hawaii, and it’s particularly popular with honeymooners. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and swimming at some of the best beaches in the world, including the famous Waikiki Beach on Oahu, or spend the day hiking at Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll get to see craters, crystals, and even rainforest."

Here we are! It's great to see Pennsylvania at No. 2. We rock.

Airport Parking Reservations states, "With Philadelphia and Pittsburgh the two largest cities in the state, it’s estimated 36.2 million people visited Philadelphia in 2021, with its biggest attractions including the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and of course, digging into a Philly cheese steak. Outside of its cities, Pennsylvania’s well-known for its Amish community, and if you head to downtown Lancaster, you can purchase their produce at one of the food markets."

It's no big surprise that New York City is No. 1 on this list. I definitely want to travel back there sometime soon. Airport Parking Reservations states, "Most people visiting New York will head straight to New York City, to see some of the most famous sights in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park. However, there’s so much more to see outside of NYC – for example, Adirondack Park, which is home to more than 10,000 lakes, and Niagara Falls, with the American side often less touristy than the Canadian side."

According to the report, the rest of the top 10 most popular states for other countries to travel to include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Connecticut and California. I really thought California would be inside the top five, so this surprises me!

https://airportparkingreservations.com/blog/revealed-the-most-popular-states-to-travel-to