HOUSTON - If you've tried to buy a house lately, or even driven on any of our Houston roadways, you know there are more people out there than ever. In fact, the population of Houston is exploding at an alarming rate.
If construction downtown is any indication, Houston is growing. The U.S. Census agrees. It shows Houston is ahead of every other city in Texas when it comes to adding residents. Across the country, we are second only to New York City.
"Houston is a fun city. It is very, very diverse," said Michelle Cooper.
Cooper lives in Houston and works in the oil and gas industry. She sees the growth.
"It's growing fast with the development all over town. No matter where you go, you see beautiful new development," she said.
From July 1 of 2012 to July of 2013, the government shows Houston added more than 35,000 residents. That's more than equal to the entire population of Rosenberg.
"Our cost of living is relatively low compared to other parts of the country," said Eric Gage, realtor at Re/Max City View near Midtown.
When those new residents move to Houston, they call realtors like Gage.
"A year ago, the property sat on the market a little longer than they do now. Now as soon as they hit the market, they already have multiple showings and multiple offers coming," said Gage.
He says in our area oil and gas fuel much of that growth. Experts say the Medical Center, lower taxes and cost of living make lots of people want to call Houston home.
"I'd tell them to come to Houston and take full advantage of fun and fulfilling people," said Gage.
The big question for everyone, including experts, is how long will this growth continue?
If you think Houston is growing fast, the census numbers show Harris County is growing even faster.