Why Houston

Quite simply, Houston means success. The region has everything your company needs – from a workforce of more than 2.7 million to a reputation as a fast-growing technology center. And, Houston offers so much more: real estate priced below the national average, a solid transportation infrastructure, appealing business incentives and wage rates that help companies compete around the world. These are just a few of the benefits. Read on.

Facts about relocating or expanding in Houston

Houston is business friendly.

In addition to providing an excellent environment for startup and small- and mid-size companies, the Houston region is known worldwide as a major corporate center. The evidence:

  • Twenty-six companies on the 2008 Fortune 500 list are headquartered in Houston. Many other Fortune 500 companies maintain U.S. administrative headquarters in Houston.
  • Nineteen of the 2007 Fortune 100 Fastest-growing Companies are headquartered in Houston.
  • Of the world’s 100 largest non-U.S. based corporations, at least 51 have non-retail operations in Houston.

Houston is an entrepreneurial region.

Houston has a solid workforce.

  • With more than 2.7 million workers in the Houston metro area, the region has an ample supply of workers to meet any employer’s need – now and in the future.
  • Sales & Marketing Management’s 2003 Survey of Buying Power showed Houston as having the lowest median age among the nation’s 10 largest metro areas, making it less susceptible than other areas to a shortage of entry-level workers. The median age of Houston workers is 33.0 compared to the national median age of 36.0.
  • Houston’s amenities and quality of life draw a skilled, well-educated workforce.

Houston’s transportation infrastructure makes it a logical choice for corporate offices and distribution centers.

  • Houston’s freeway system includes 575.5 miles of freeways and expressways in the 10-county metro area. The State of Texas plans to spend $5.06 billion on Houston area highways between 2002 and 2007.
  • The Houston airport system ranks fourth nationally and sixth worldwide in passenger volume. Also, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is ranked as the 11th largest international air-cargo gateway to the United States.
  • The Houston Ship Channel, a 52-mile inland waterway, connects the Houston area with markets throughout the world. The Port of Houston is the world’s sixth largest and routinely ranks first in the nation in volume of foreign tonnage and second in the nation in total tonnage.
  • Houston is one of the nation’s busiest rail centers, with 14 mainline tracks radiating from Houston.

Houston has an extensive professional services infrastructure.

  • This includes not only the accounting and legal professions but also firms that deal with finance and venture capital, management consulting, placement and media/public relations.
  • Known as the Energy Capital of the World, Houston is a dominant provider of accounting and legal firms that also specialize in providing services to the oil and gas industry.
  • The region’s accounting services cater to the medical technology industries.

Houston is the academic center of the Southwest.

Houston offers business incentives.

  • Working with local officials and area economic development allies, the Partnership assists business with needs such as selecting sites and securing incentives.

Houston has a well-developed high-tech infrastructure.

  • Houston is a leader in transferring to the private sector technology developed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Texas Medical Center and area universities.
  • Much of Houston’s high-tech activity is involved in energy exploration and production and related manufacturing. Examples are three- and four-dimensional imaging and sophisticated drilling techniques.
  • A vibrant software industry centers on Houston’s strengths in energy, medicine and aerospace.
  • Technological expertise emanating from the medical center has supported the emergence of many biotechnology and medical-related companies.
  • JSC markets space technology for licensing and research and development.
  • Industry Week has ranked Houston as a Gold Medal World-Class community for manufacturing.

Houston has a strong international presence.

  • More than 3,000 firms and organizations trading more than 250 types of products and services report international business activities in more than 200 countries.

Houston has a host of other reasons to relocate or expend your business here.

  • Houston has ample, low-cost undeveloped property, office space and industrial space.
  • Houston’s central location makes it a major distribution center.
  • Houston’s cost of doing business ranks among the nation’s lowest.
  • Houston’s cost of living is the lowest of cities with populations of more than two million people.

Resources for relocating or expanding in Houston