Houston County’s growth continues to astound us. While adjacent counties, including Bibb County, lost population during 2003, Houston County’s boom continues unabated. In a way, the growth is escalating. More than a dozen new subdivisions are either under way or on the drawing boards now. Land has been purchased for them. The growth seems to feed on itself. The more the county grows the more demand there seems to be for homes to house newcomers.

You wonder where they come from. Actually, the suggestion that much of the growth in population results from retirements at Robins Air Force Base makes sense. The so-called Baby Boom Generation is beginning to reach retirement age. Hundreds of employees and military personnel at the base are retiring every year. Most of them stay here, while some go “back home” or to some place they know about that seems idyllic to them.

Replacing them is a new generation of workers at the base. They want to be near their work, which makes sense. So they look for housing in Houston County and they are finding it. Houston County is unique in Middle Georgia, with a good public school system that is nationally recognized for some of its students’ achievements. City and county governments are well run. Taxes are relatively low. Recreation is available. Shopping facilities, which were woefully lacking until a few years ago, now are plentiful with many of the leading national retailers close at hand. There are numerous restaurants to satisfy all tastes.

Houston County is a good place to live among friendly people. The crime rate is low and law enforcement is good.

With these advantages, Houston County now ranks among the state’s fastest growing counties, being outpaced only by counties close to Atlanta, where residents must struggle with unbelievable traffic problems daily. Traffic problems exist in Warner Robins, Centerville and North Houston County, but they are minuscule compared with Metropolitan Atlanta.

Perhaps our county falls somewhat short of perfect, but thousands of people each year are seeing it as a good place to live and a good place to raise children.

We like it. As former President Ronald Reagan said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”