To live in South Texas is to truly live an international lifestyle. Situated on the United States-Mexico border, South Texas is a gateway to international business, a land of rich history, and a place to explore culture through food, music, and daily life.  Read on to learn more about relocating to Texas and the South Texas region.

International business benefits:  The South Texas region has four Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), which help to facilitate cross-border trade. These FTZs can help American businesses to be more competitive in the global economy by lowering tax burdens on imports and exports.

Port city prospects: There are two major port cities in South Texas: Brownsville and Corpus Christi. Brownsville is a deep-water seaport that sits at the southern-most tip of Texas. It is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a 17-mile-long ship channel. This port city’s 40,000 acres make it the largest land-owning public port authority in the nation. Like so many growing towns in Texas, Brownsville aims to be a leader in business development, providing modern infrastructure and plentiful economic opportunities.

Fly high:  In addition to having major ports, South Texas is home to 7 different international airports. From Laredo to Del Rio, Brownsville to Corpus Christi, all of this airport access makes doing international business in the region convenient. An added benefit of so many nearby airports is the accessibility and ability for travel and leisure as well.

Walk through history: San Antonio is a South Texas city with a rich heritage. Living near the Alamo means learning the history of the infamous 1836 battle for Texas independence from Mexico. San Antonio is also home to the River Walk, a landmark promenade with winding paths and bridges along the San Antonio River, complete with cafes and shops.

Amusements abound: Just outside of San Antonio, there are more than 50 golf courses, 5 theme parks, and one of the largest zoos in the country. There is so much to do in South Texas. If you’re more into exploring your natural surroundings, there are many hiking and biking trails that stretch all the way into Texas Hill Country.

By the sea: Corpus Christi is one of the more well known coastal towns in South Texas; it’s also a major economic center of the region. This city sits on the Gulf of Mexico, tucked into a bay with beaches that are sheltered by Padre and Mustang Islands. For ocean lovers, Padre Island seashore is home to beautiful sea birds and sea turtles. In Corpus Christi, residents can learn more about sea life and naval history at the Texas State Aquarium and at the USS Lexington, respectively.

Higher education opportunities:  Proximity to institutions of higher education is beneficial for so many reasons. It often makes for a lively, active community, and highly educated graduates can become part of the booming local Texas workforce. South Texas is home to many schools such as Sul Ross State’s Rio Grande College, the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, and four different Texas A&M campuses.

Cultural crossover: Laredo is a city on the Mexican border, where a bridge at Dos Laredos crosses the Rio Grande into Mexico. This city has flourished as it blends the distinct cultures of the US and Mexico. From food to language to music, the influences from Mexico mix beautifully with Texas and American culture here. So many cities in South Texas benefit from international influence.

Industry diversity: The unique location of South Texas makes it a great place for many different industries to succeed. Some of the area’s largest industries include: leather manufacturing, mining, petroleum and coal product manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, pipeline transportation, as well as fishing, hunting, and trapping.

Texas business incentives: Many incentives exist for businesses that are looking to relocate to South Texas. Economic development organizations are available to help with the relocating and establishing of new businesses in the South Texas region. One particular incentive for business owners is the Texas Enterprise Fund, a deal-closing fund that can be utilized for a variety of different economic development projects.

If you’re considering relocating to South Texas, the Texas Economic Development Connection can help. With their assistance, you can find comprehensive information about moving a business to Texas. Check out the TexasEDConnection relocation planning tool online, or contact them by phone at 214-775-0617.