Area Profile - Marble Falls, TX

A new book published by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and written by Jack Shultz, titled Boomtown USA, lists Marble Falls, Texas, as one of the top non-metro growth areas in the United States. The author researched statistical data on 397 communities nationwide that are considered rural in nature and growing outside of metropolitan areas (MSA’s).

Among the top 2.5% of all non-metro areas in the nation, Marble Falls, Decatur, Eagle Pass, Hillsboro and Rockport, Texas, were listed in the Top 100 cities called "Agurbs", non-metro areas with rapid growth. The selection process was based upon statistical data measuring population growth, job creation, per capita income growth and quality of life factors for these non-metro areas.

The book highlights why these "Agurbs" will be the hot growth areas for the future. As technology accelerates with high speed communications systems improving and costs for telecommuting going down, the need for location in metro areas decreases. Rural areas "agurbs" allow for more freedom of movement without traffic congestion and safety concerns. People feel safer in small communities and small communities offer a high quality of life for families. Small communities also offer a workforce with a high work ethic based upon their agricultural background. The author mentions the revolution occurring in air transportation with the introduction of low-cost business jet leasing services that will allow the use of smaller, rural airports for point-to-point direct jet flights at costs that rival larger commercial airport services. The cost savings in time and convenience will revolutionize air travel.

Marble Falls is well positioned to take advantage of these factors. Though not a part of the Austin or San Antonio MSA’s, these metro areas are nearby, and more and more professional services are moving to the area to take advantage of the area’s quality of life while continuing to serve clients in the MSA’s. The area has in place high speed data connections, and two general purpose airports that support corporate jet services. The area continues to grow with new retail and commercial developments occurring such as the new Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort Hotel opening in October 2004, providing new opportunities and enhanced quality of life for the region.