Fast growing cities: How fast is too fast? (crime, live)

[dacx]

I see a lot of postings about fast growing cities, states, towns etc. but I don't always think that it's a good thing. Especially if the infrastructure isn't there yet.

I know that places need to grow to survive but, how fast is too fast? Fast growth takes away the culture, the character of the area and contributes to traffic and crime etc.

I once lived in a town of under 5000 and they were proud that in less than 5 years they thought they would be up to 30000 and this was through development not annexation. IMHO that rate of growth is just too fast.

What are others opinions?

[WanderingImport]

While it is cool (IMO) to see a place grow and add more amenities, there is a breaking point of too fast too soon. I think just about everyone could say Atlanta has grown too fast for itself and the infrastructure hasn't caught up.

I could say the same for South Florida (Miami-Fort Lauderdale) but more so in the earlier part of the 20th century. Though So. Fla. has grown at break neck speeds more recently, even the older areas show signs of how fast the area developed.

[bradly]

Albuquerque, the 2nd fastest growing city in America.

Suburban Development is what will ake up the cities west side.
In this recession, Albuquerque doesnt seem to be feeling the pain as those others,
homebuilding is still happening at a fast rate.

[CityPerson09]

Collin County in Texas is growing very fast. McKinney is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the 2000 Census had its population at 54,369 now the 2008 estimate is 121,000

It is cool to see fast growth but too fast can lead to more sprawling suburbs instead of smarter development.