Realtor.com, a leading digital real estate marketplace, has announced a strategic relocation of its headquarters from Santa Clara, California, to Austin, Texas, joining a growing trend of companies moving to the Lone Star State.
At a Glance
- Realtor.com is moving its headquarters from Santa Clara, California to Austin, Texas
- The move is driven by Austin’s strong talent pool, economic growth, and housing affordability
- Over 400 employees are currently based in Austin, with plans to hire hundreds more
- Texas leads the nation in building affordable homes and company relocations
- The relocation aligns with Texas’s projected population growth, set to surpass California by 2045
A Strategic Move in the Tech Industry
Realtor.com’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Austin, Texas, reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. The move aligns with the company’s goal of tapping into Austin’s robust talent pool and thriving tech ecosystem. With over 400 employees already based in Austin, Realtor.com plans to expand its workforce significantly in the coming years, focusing on technology, engineering, marketing, and senior leadership roles.
The relocation to East Sixth Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere, positions Realtor.com at the heart of Austin’s dynamic business community. This strategic move not only benefits the company but also contributes to the ongoing economic growth of Texas, which has become a magnet for corporate relocations in recent years.
https://t.co/w6xvKY7Z9J relocates headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin https://t.co/Ql784kFCqP
— MySA (@mySA) February 6, 2025
Texas: A Hub for Corporate Relocations
Texas has emerged as the leading state for company relocations, with Austin being the top city of choice. This trend includes notable names like Tesla, Charles Schwab, and now Realtor.com. The state’s business-friendly environment, coupled with its growing economy and affordable housing market, has made it an attractive destination for companies seeking to optimize their operations and workforce satisfaction.
“Austin and Texas offer a strong and growing talent pool, a powerhouse economy with unparalleled housing growth, affordability of living only matched by its aspirational lifestyle, expansive tech and academic communities, and a dynamic and vibrant city at the heart of the thriving state of Texas. There is no better place for us to call home. Over the coming years we are committed to growing our presence by hiring great local talent and by bringing new recruits to Texas,” Damian Eales, Realtor.com’s CEO said.
The relocation of Realtor.com to Texas is particularly fitting given the state’s booming real estate market. Texas boasts six of the top ten most sought-after ZIP codes in the U.S., and its largest metropolitan areas have seen improved housing affordability due to new construction. With a median home price of $360,000, lower than the national average, Texas offers an attractive proposition for both businesses and homebuyers.
Impact on Texas’s Economic Landscape
The influx of major companies to Texas is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economic landscape. Texas is projected to become the most populous state in the U.S. by 2045, surpassing California. This growth is partly fueled by corporate relocations and the subsequent job opportunities they bring. Last year, over 25% of Texas home shoppers were from out of state, indicating a broader demographic shift.
“In light of this significant move, the Governor of Texas has celebrated the partnership with Realtor.com in grand style, highlighting the positive impact this relocation will have on the growing housing market,” the official statement from Governor of Texas said.
The state’s commitment to building affordable homes is evident, with Texas accounting for 15% of the U.S. permitted housing units in 2024. This focus on housing development aligns well with Realtor.com’s mission and positions the company to leverage Texas’s growing real estate market effectively.
