Rosslyn BID Survey Unveils Key Considerations in Corporate HQ Location Decisions

Tech infrastructure, flexible workplace options, and safe neighborhoods are must-have amenities.

Nestlé's U.S. headquarters, located at 1812 N. Moore in Rosslyn.

ROSSLYN, VA (February 22, 2024) – The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) today announced the results of a comprehensive survey that provides valuable insights into the factors influencing companies’ decisions when choosing a headquarters (HQ) location. With the corporate HQ relocation rate at its highest since 2017, and prominent companies — including recently announced CoStar, alongside Solidcore, Genetec, and the National Association of Corporate Directors — choosing to move their headquarters to Rosslyn in the past year, the BID sought to identify the driving forces behind this trend. Findings revealed critical considerations included the commute, tech infrastructure, and cost of living/business operations.

Respondents of the nationwide survey, consisting of 104 human resources and operations professionals, emphasized several key factors that reflect the evolving priorities of today’s modern business landscape. Key findings include:

Four in 10 respondents (38%) said that safe neighborhoods/housing options are a must-have for a new HQ location.

Approximately one-third of respondents also considered quality of life for employees (34%), proximity to clients and partners (34%), and access to qualified talent locally (33%) top factors when choosing a new HQ location.

84% of respondents considered the daily commute important, while 83% of respondents deemed potential for future expansion and scalability important — highlighting the demand for easily accessible, highly connected business environments.

Nearly one-third of respondents (30%) reported nearby access to a metro or public transit was a must-have amenity for a new HQ location, and one in five said proximity to green spaces and outdoor areas was essential.

The cost of living/business operations emerged as a top priority for 53% of participants, closely followed by the availability of flexible office spaces (49%), and a business-friendly regulatory environment (38%).

High-speed internet and tech infrastructure were deemed essential by 61% of respondents, a reflection of the increasingly digital business landscape.

"Choosing a headquarters location is not just about finding a space that is good for business, but it’s also about finding an environment that is beneficial for employees and their quality of life," said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID. "Rosslyn offers a unique combination of modern conveniences, amenities, and a vibrant community, which is highly sought after in today’s business world. With its connectivity, robust tech infrastructure, and expansive business network, it’s no surprise that so many companies are choosing to call Rosslyn home."

The Rosslyn BID is committed to leveraging these insights to continue fostering a business-friendly environment that meets the evolving needs of diverse industries. Rosslyn is home to more than 1,000 companies and 20,000+ employees, and these findings confirm why industry leaders such as Nestlé, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Raytheon are attracted to Rosslyn and the region.

“We chose to relocate to Rosslyn because of its reputation as a well-connected community, offering our staff easy access to amenities and public transportation,” said Bryan Myers, CEO of Solidcore. “We are in growth mode, and Rosslyn is the ideal place for Solidcore to continue our expansion, as this is a place where we can attract top talent, foster collaboration amongst our team, and continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.”

As the business landscape continues to evolve, Rosslyn remains dedicated to providing a strategic and supportive ecosystem for companies seeking not only growth, but also a location that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of their teams.

###

About Rosslyn Business Improvement District:

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District provides high-quality, customer-oriented services designed to define, enhance, and continually improve Rosslyn for those who work, live, visit, and do business here. As a resourceful and collaborative organization, we work in partnership with our key stakeholders and Arlington County to create a welcoming, creative, thriving environment that supports Rosslyn’s residents and a wide range of business types, from innovative start-ups to established Fortune 500 companies and international associations. We take an active leadership role in all that we do, serving as a collaborator, community builder, and agent of positive change. For more information, please visit www.rosslynva.org.