A CNBC data analysis that lined up business and Census data against the criteria set by Amazon for its next headquarters is favorable to cities in the South.
North Carolina has four metro areas bidding for the HQ2 project, which could create up to 50,000 jobs.
Amazon has said it will choose a location with “strong local and regional talent” and “a stable and business-friendly environment.” In the request for proposals (Amazon got 238), the company also said it would favor those with available, large buildings or sites upon which to build, proximity to an international airport, access to mass transit and “a compatible cultural and community environment.”
CNBC used its annual Top States for Business study to rank the bids and found the three North Carolina bids – from Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro-High Point – come out on top, despite a lack of mass transit and the political hangover of House Bill 2.
Other cities in the South, Atlanta and Texas’ entries Austin, Dallas and Houston, also fared well in CNBC’s analysis. Georgia, Texas and North Carolina ranked 3, 4 and 5 respectively in the organization’s Top States for Business.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the number of metro areas in North Carolina vying for Amazon’s second headquarters.
