THE WOODLANDS – (Realty News Report) – SmartDraw Software is relocating from San Diego to The Woodlands, continuing a trend of companies moving operations from California to Texas.
“Texas offers a business-friendly climate, a reasonable regulatory environment, and a cost of living that is far lower than San Diego,” said Paul Stannard, CEO of SmartDraw. “We chose to relocate to Texas—and specifically to The Woodlands—for many reasons, including the chance for our employees to become homeowners, which was largely unattainable for many in San Diego. The Woodlands provides an outstanding quality of life in a beautiful natural setting, and we believe both our team and our company will thrive in this community—the ultimate workplace perk.”
CBRE ALSO LEAVES CALIFORNIA
In a related development, commercial real estate giant CBRE recently announced it is moving its headquarters from Los Angeles to Dallas. That shift is notable because CBRE has advised many companies on corporate office relocations and leasing decisions.
CBRE’s move reflects a broader migration of major firms from California to Texas. Charles Schwab, McKesson, and Toyota’s North American headquarters are among the companies that have relocated to Dallas, citing California’s high costs and business environment as factors in their decisions.
SmartDraw’s new office in The Woodlands will occupy approximately 6,500 square feet within the Hughes Landing development along Lake Woodlands. SmartDraw, a developer of advanced diagramming and visualization software, is a technology company with 35 employees.
“When decision-makers from companies like SmartDraw visit our community and see our premier assets, The Woodlands stands out for the work-life balance cultivated here over the past 46 years,” said Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for The Howard Hughes Corporation, the developer of The Woodlands.
The Woodlands, a 28,000-acre master-planned community located about 28 miles north of Houston, features 220 miles of hike-and-bike trails, 7,665 acres of open green space, and a 1,000-acre commercial town center offering office space, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Founded by George P. Mitchell, The Woodlands opened in 1974 and has grown into a well-established community that emphasizes sustainable development, outdoor amenities, and mixed-use neighborhoods that support both residential life and business activity.
Oct. 29, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020
File: California Firm Moves to Texas
Caption: Hughes Landing development along Lake Woodlands. Photo courtesy HHC
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