We hear Oxford residents wonder sometimes when the development growth will finally slow down.

Note to the community: Not anytime soon.

For many of us, it may not slow down in our lifetime, regardless of economic conditions.

The growth that Oxford has experienced to date is really only the beginning. The quality of life is too good, and with a strong hospital that’s about to get even better, a great University, excellent public schools and so much more, Oxford and Lafayette County have embarked upon what is likely three decades of development and expansion to come.

The big challenge is infrastructure. As development rages, and more first and second home owners come to Oxford, the need for road infrastructure and water and electrical systems and parking and everything that contributes quietly to quality of life increases in accord.

The growth will be both wonderful and challenging. We will see new quaint shopping areas develop, and more big boxes come to town. We will see property values in Abbeville rise, and Lafayette County schools reach another level of growth and most every piece of valuable dirt in Oxford built upon.

It’s exciting and scary. But it’s coming, since there are no signs of slowing down anytime soon.