(Bloomberg Business) — For the past few years, oil towns have dominated the ranks of the fastest-growing economies in America.
Now that the energy boom is fading, a new leader is emerging.
That new leader is retirement communities in Florida that are buoyed by a surge in baby boomers.
Naples, Florida, topped the list of metropolitan areas that are expected to see the most economic growth next year, according to an analysis of data in a new report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors prepared by IHS Global Insight.
The economy there will grow 4.9 percent in 2016, according to the forecasts. The Villages, a sprawling senior community that has already been the fastest-growing city by population for two straight years, ranked third. The map below shows how metro areas in Florida made up half of the top 18 performers.