Move business to TX from WA (Houston, Austin: to rent, house, to buy)

[LongDawson]

Hi. Looking for any and all advice.

I was born and raised in Seattle. Spent 4 years between UK and Thailand also. My wife is Thai, and I know that lots of Thais enjoy Texas. We have three kids.

I started a company 10 years ago, and it's moving along well. Thought of selling the company, but I didn't get interest from the large companies I asked to buy it. Fine, I'll keep the company. I make about $200k/yr right now, and it's growing--even 2009 was better than 2008.

Now thinking of moving the company and family to Texas. Texas is a good location for various reasons. Being in Texas would reduce my shipping expenses and help improve customer service. I like adventure.

I've never been to Texas. This is just the very start of my research into the possibility of moving there. I employ 3 people full time, not sure if that would entitle me to any tax breaks or special programs. Interested to know about home prices and property taxes. I would need to rent a warehouse, around 4000 sq ft. I have plenty of cash on hand to pay for the move. My two older kids are very studious, and get high marks in school. Daughter wants to be a doctor. Looking for good schools. Also need to be near the Asian markets in TX, not sure what city the largest concentration of Asian consumers is, where the wholesalers are, etc.

Thanks for any advice.

[AustinGuy]

Originally Posted by LongDawson

Also need to be near the Asian markets in TX, not sure what city the largest concentration of Asian consumers is, where the wholesalers are, etc.

If this is a requirement, Houston is probably the city for you since they have the largest Asian population.

[shankaupas]

Austin has a decent sized asian market. UT is a big draw for asian students. There are also quite a few asian shops, groceries, and restaurants that have sprung up recently on North Lamar up to Parmer. But I also agree that Houston is a much bigger city with a larger asian population.

[hoffdano]

I'd say home prices range from $100-$200 per sq. ft. depending on where you want to live. There are more expensive properties too if that is what you want. Property taxes range from 1.9% to near 3% - again depending on where.

There are many fine public schools in the Austin area. There are any Asians in Austin, but not like Houston.

[Mike78613]

We have a little China town off Lamar & Breaker area.

((You're not trying to do one of those illegal slot machine businesses, right))

Seriously, try looking for a house off Palmer (close to Samsung) You will be in Pflugerville. Plenty of shopping in that area and nice homes are in that area also.