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Office-Using Job Growth Shifts to Southern and Western Metro Areas
U.S. office-using job growth has shifted south and west, Avison Young reported. Austin leads all major metro areas, up approximately 34% in office-using employment since 2019, with Phoenix and Charlotte also ranking among the top-performing markets.
“Office demand is going where growth is,” said Tucker White, U.S. Office Lead, Market Intelligence. “Austin, Phoenix and Charlotte are standout examples of where office-using employment is accelerating at a meaningful pace. These markets are benefiting from strong in-migration, business expansion and cost advantages, which are translating directly into office demand and reshaping the competitive landscape for both occupiers and investors.”
A key driver for Southern metros is business-friendly tax structures, added to expanding labor pools and modern office space that supports evolving workplace and return-to-office strategies. Although Western cities such as San Diego and San Jose may lack the tax advantages, they benefit from strong innovation-driven economies and industry specialization in the tech, defense, and life science sectors.
