Significant Commercial and Residential Growth Predicted for Sun Belt, Says NAI Global Chief Economist

Dr. Peter Linneman predicts where growth will occur in U.S. through 2020

Where will growth occur and what socioeconomic factors will drive tomorrow’s industries – two questions asked and answered in a new white paper from NAI Global Chief Economist Dr. Peter Linneman. Looking to the future, Dr. Linneman offers his prediction for how the population will grow in the next 12 years, and its impact on the U.S. economy, residential and commercial property markets, as well as where companies can look for maximum potential growth by 2020.

“People are looking to move to the ‘bright side’ of the country, finding areas in the Sun Belt that are warm, dry locations with considerable sun and little snow,” said Dr. Peter Linneman. “As young workers seek new opportunities in the South and West, a slow and fundamental shift will occur as grandparents, looking to be close to their families, follow, and businesses reorganize to serve a changing population.”

Where Will Growth Occur?, NAI Global’s white paper, examines socioeconomic factors that will drive growth in markets from Florida to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. An inside perspective into how people choose where they want to live, based on climate, education and employment opportunities, and personal recreation interests, the white paper presents a compelling case for growth in markets like Santa Fe, NM, Greensboro, NC, Odessa, TX and Las Vegas, NV.

“As the population begins to shift, business will shift with it, driving new construction and infrastructure across the South and West,” said Linneman. “As real household incomes increase, tomorrow’s typical consumer will be searching for new gadgets, more travel and greater access to healthcare, creating new opportunities for business; access to major air hubs with international connectivity will become increasingly relevant and high-quality medical facilities will emerge throughout the Sun Belt.”

This latest white paper follows NAI Global’s Capital Markets Update, NAI Global Chief Economist Dr. Peter Linneman’s view on today’s economic situation. NAI Global’s white papers and research resources are available for free download at www.naiglobal.com under Publications/Articles & White Papers.

Dr. Linneman is also Professor of Real Estate, Finance and Public Policy at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, and Principal in Linneman Associates.

< Back to News List