In a notable shift within the tech and real estate sectors, Realtor.com has uprooted its headquarters from the Silicon Valley confines of Santa Clara, California and replanted in Austin, Texas. The move signifies more than just a change of address; it underscores Texas' escalating role in America's evolving business landscape. As Fox 7 Austin reports, Realtor.com has eyed Austin as its primary hiring site and envisions long-term expansion within the Lone Star State.
Chief Executive Officer of Realtor.com, Damian Eales, articulated the company's bullish outlook on its new base, affirming, "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." His sentiments were mirrored by Robert Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of News Corp, the parent company of Realtor.com, who lauded Texas as a beacon of innovation and opportunity in conversations with My San Antonio.
This relocation heralds a strategic alignment with Texas' burgeoning market and demographic growth. According to a new report released by Realtor.com, which was mentioned in both sources, Texas is outpacing California in population growth and is forecast to become the most populous state by the year 2045. The state's aggressive approach to building affordable homes—as it accounted for 15% of the U.S. total in permitted housing units in 2024—places it at the forefront of national housing development.
With its new headquarters firmly rooted on East 6th Street in downtown Austin, Realtor.com's shift is likely to generate a significant influx of jobs, particularly in the fields of product, engineering, data science and analytics. This comes in conjunction with the company's efforts to foster new talent and contribute to the city's community through various charitable events. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has extended a warm welcome to the company. He emphasized the state's favorable business climate and absence of corporate or personal income taxes as selling points for organizations like Realtor.com opting to call Texas home.
The implications of this corporate exodus from California to Texas reach far beyond the bottom line of Realtor.com. It may signal a broader shift in how and where companies choose to establish themselves, ultimately reshaping the economic, demographic, and cultural landscape of cities and states across the United States.
