A popular online real estate service company has joined the ranks of many businesses relocating from California to Texas. Realtor.com, a subsidiary of News Corp., announced on February 6th that its headquarters will be moved from Santa Clara, California to Austin, Texas.
In a statement sent to the Epoch Times on February 7th, a spokesperson for Realtor.com said, “Since 2019, Realtor.com has been a part of the Austin community, and with this week’s announcement, we are designating that location as our official headquarters.”
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales stated in the announcement, “Austin and Texas offer a strong and continuously growing talent pool, robust economic development, unparalleled housing growth, an affordable standard of living that aligns with an ideal lifestyle, a vast tech and academic community, and a vibrant city located in the heart of prosperous Texas. This is the place we feel most at home.”
In recent years, Realtor.com has supported the Austin community through internship programs and talent development. With the headquarters relocation, the company plans to ramp up hiring locally in the near future.
News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson expressed pride in settling in a state that understands the key role businesses play in personal growth, career success, and community achievement. He said, “Our investment in Austin is an initial payment towards the American dream.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the arrival of Realtor.com’s new headquarters, stating that the state’s housing market will also benefit. In a statement, Abbott mentioned, “With our unparalleled business environment, no corporate or personal income tax, and our tech-savvy, young, and diverse workforce, Texas is the ideal place for Realtor.com.”
The three came together to celebrate this announcement at a dinner on January 29th.
A report released by Realtor.com on February 6th predicted that by 2045, Texas will surpass California as the most populous state in the U.S. The report highlighted that the main reasons people are moving to Texas include abundant job opportunities, affordable housing, and diverse climates. Texas ranks first in obtaining housing permits, with more economically affordable housing constructed compared to other states.
According to the report, from 2009 to 2023, California, Florida, and Oklahoma were the top three states with the most residents relocating to Texas. Other states in the top ten list include New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Alabama, New York, and South Carolina.
In recent years, companies relocating from California to Texas have also included social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chevron, Oracle, Charles Schwab, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.