Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle is home not only to one of the nation's largest cities and a couple of the best small towns, it also now boasts three of the fastest-growing suburbs in the U.S.

Forbes magazine recently ranked the 100 suburbs across the country that posted the highest growth rates between 2000 and 2006. The rankings were based on U.S. Census Bureau data that were compiled and analyzed by a St. Louis-based research firm.

Suburbs included cities, townships and villages that had more than 10,000 people in 2000.

Holly Springs came in at No. 18, with a 74 percent increase in population. Wake Forest followed closely at No. 20, with a 73.2 percent increase. Apex was No. 63, with a 43.6 percent growth rate.

Holly Springs and Apex also were cited by Money magazine in a recent survey as among the best small towns in which to live.

Also, Raleigh officials said last month that their population estimates make the city the 50th largest in the U.S.

Lincoln, Calif., outside of Sacramento, topped the fastest-growing suburbs list, with 236 percent growth since 2000. Suburbs in Arizona grabbed four of the top 10 spots on the list, while Texas has the most overall, with 20 ranked suburbs.

Two Charlotte-area suburbs also made the Forbes list. Huntersville was ranked 46th, and Cornelius was 51st.