Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
Total Population: 2,134,411
Change From 2000: 29.8%
According to the Census Bureau, Orlando is a much more internationally diverse area than it was 30 years ago. Growth has been due to natural increase (more births than deaths in the last decade), retirees, immigration and a significant young population when compared to other parts of Florida.
Of course, being on the doorstep of Cinderella's Castle and neighbors with Mickey and Minnie Mouse doesn't hurt, either.
Interestingly enough, Florida as a whole saw the largest movement of people out of the state compared to the rest of the US in 2008 and 2009. Unemployment fluctuated between 10% and 12.6% for most of 2010 and is still over 10%.
The housing bust hit particularly hard here, but Orlando is now home of some of the most affordable real estate in the country, according to a recent report by Deutsche Bank. Prices here fell by more than 50% between 2006 and 2010.
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Last updated April 14 2011: 10:33 AM ET
