When will Metro Augusta reach 600,000 (Atlanta, Savannah: 2015, homes, school)

[nortonguy]

535,000 in 2008

[Hot_Mike]

Mark my words, the Palmetto Parkway will draw people from Columbia to Aiken and North Augusta.

[All4Augusta]

isn't richmond county still growing and building homes!!!!

[lilmusket]

We really won't know till the next census comes out after 2010. Atleast Richmond County has stopped losing people. It was losing people for most of the decade. Now it is starting to gain some people back, but I think the latest numbers showed only a 0.9% growth. But atleast that is not a 0.9% decline.
I don't think the Palmetto Parkway is going to have as big of an impact as some people might like. When they extended I520 from US1 and then on to 56 loop and on to Sand Bar ferry, and then to US 1 the impact was negligible. There wasn't any huge explosion of development along any of the new interchanges, except for perhaps US25 in the 1980s. Where the impact could be big is if the Palmetto Pky becomes part of the proposed I3. The plan is to have I3 go from Savannah to Augusta, hooking up with I520 and following the Palmetto Parkway and extending it all the way to I26 just south of Greenville/Spartanburg.. if that happens then that area could see a lot of growth. I think the area around the US25 I20 and I520 exits in SC are poised to benefit the most.

[nortonguy]

The city of Augusta growth rate from 2007-2008. Was 1.1%, Richmond county grew at 1.2 or 1.3%.

http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/49607107.html

[DSMRE]

Originally Posted by nortonguy

The city of Augusta growth rate from 2007-2008. Was 1.1%, Richmond county grew at 1.2 or 1.3%.

Census estimates: Augusta metro area shows population gains | Augusta News, Augusta Weather, Augusta Sports, Augusta Community, for Evans, Aiken & North Augusta | Local News

At that rate it will be a while.

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by motonenterprises

At that rate it will be a while.

After 2010 the growth rate will increase significantly. Augusta's economy will double by 2015.

National Security Agency opens 2010 4,000 jobs

SRS 7,000 jobs

Plant Vogtle opens 2013-2014 5,000 jobs

Medical District dental school, medical school, cancer research center, medical commons all opening in 2010-2011.

[DSMRE]

Originally Posted by nortonguy

After 2010 the growth rate will increase significantly. Augusta's economy will double by 2015.

National Security Agency opens 2010 4,000 jobs

SRS 7,000 jobs

Plant Vogtle opens 2013-2014 5,000 jobs

Medical District dental school, medical school, cancer research center, medical commons all opening in 2010-2011.

You hope. I understand you love your city, but you can't count your eggs until they hatch.

[Hot_Mike]

Originally Posted by motonenterprises

You hope. I understand you love your city, but you can't count your eggs until they hatch.

Very true statement. But I do believe this a turning point for Augusta. If it wasnt for the reccession we would seeing it right now. In the mean time, a lot of infrastructure is being laid down.(Palmetto Parkway, I-20/520 and Saint Sebastian.)

[lilmusket]

Just checked the census website and the growth for Augusta between 07 and 08 was 0.9% which is not really that far off from 1.1% we are talking about 2 one hundreths of a percent here, folks. Either way, it's not rapid growth.. Rapid growth is in the double digits. Metro Atlanta routinely sees growth above 20%. Atleast badly needed infrastructure is being completed and that will poise Augusta well. The area still needs a north south interstate though to take it to the next level. We will have to see where that goes. But when the economy recovers and businesses start expanding again, Augusta should be in a much better position then it was before.