Best US Cities for an E2 Investor Visa

If you’re an E2 investor who will be opening or buying a business in the US, you know how difficult it can be to pick a location.  The United States is large and the landscape – literal and political – varies considerably. Although your US location doesn’t matter when it comes to E2 visa approval, it will matter when it comes to your happiness and success.

As an E2 investor, the following list of cities are locations that may work well for your US-based business. We took into account local regulations, taxes, population, convenience, cost of living, weather, and “other” (anything that may persuade someone from outside the US to open a business) when compiling this list. If you’re thinking about starting or buying a business in the US, these may be the best cities in which to start your search:

• Irvine, California

About an hour from Los Angeles (and only 20 minutes or so from the Happiest Place on Earth), Irvine, California is a great place to live and work.  It’s been rated the “Safest City” for its population for the last 12 years, and the Chamber of Commerce recently launched an initiative to attract foreign investors. Downsides?  Cost of living is high, but hey, with year-round sunshine and the beach only a few miles away, you get what you pay for.

• Chattanooga, Tennessee

One of the larger cities in the “Volunteer” state, Chattanooga is home to many foreign-based businesses. And they’re looking for more!  Business growth has been steep recently, and the Chamber of Commerce is excited about that. When it comes to living in Chattanooga, the results are in: It’s the best. Really! Downsides? The crime rate is higher than other cities its size.  But, according to some locals, much of the crime is contained in certain areas.

• Dallas, Texas

The mayor of Dallas, Mike Rawlings, has undertaken a huge initiative to increase business growth in Dallas, and it’s paying off.  Tax base in the southern part of the city is up 36% in the last 6 years and there are no signs of slowing.  And let’s not forget the reason that thousands of businesses flee to Texas each year – no personal or corporate income taxes!  Also, the weather is nice year-round and the restaurants can’t be beat. Downsides? The traffic is pretty intense, so make sure you have your favorite podcast downloaded before you get in the car.

• Lexington, Kentucky

Because of prioritization of foreign investment and the lowest cost of living in the US, the state of Kentucky is a great place to work and live. Lexington, in particular, is a lovely location because of its bluegrass (both the plant and the music), the bourbon and the horses.

• Kansas City, Missouri

Like many locations on this list, Kansas City is far from the major American metro areas. But this is one of the reasons this Midwestern hotspot is attracting both domestic and foreign investors. The formula is simple: above average growth in the commercial transaction and financial service markets + low cost of living = a healthy local consumer economy where you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck.

• Long Beach, California

The “LBC” is only about 30 minutes southwest of downtown Los Angeles, but it’s a world away.  Home to the Los Angeles port, one of the busiest in the world, this is a great city for import/export businesses.  Also a wonderful city in which to raise a family, Long Beach was ranked in the Top 10 Cities for People Under 35 while the crime rate continues to drop.  Downsides?  High cost of living.  In Southern California, there’s no way to get out of it.  But, expensive housing seems a price worth paying for the beach and year-round sunshine.

• Sioux Falls, South Dakota

This upper Midwestern city is consistently ranked as one of the Top Places to Live in the United States for its high marks in transportation, education, recreation, and overall quality of life. Businesses are sure to succeed here, as Sioux Falls is the fastest-growing metro in the Midwest while also enjoying a low cost of living and South Dakota’s lack of a state corporate income tax. Don’t be discouraged by the city’s considerable distance from New York and LA. Residents enjoy sporting events, live music, a vibrant downtown focused on the Big Sioux River, and over 650 restaurants. Plus nearby natural wonders like the Badlands and Custer State Park make this destination an outdoorsmen’s dream.

• Sandy Springs, Georgia

Don’t overlook this Atlanta suburb! This city specializes in the always-lucrative fields of healthcare and biotechnology, with over 40% of the area hospital beds located within its borders. But that’s not all this city has to offer! With easy access to multiple interstates and highways and the short distance to other Southeastern metros, Sandy Springs is home to the highest ratio of Fortune 500 Companies per capita in the country. Add to that mild winters, low taxes, idyllic tree-lined streets, and the South’s famous hospitality, you have a recipe for success.

• New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is the most storied and unique city America has to offer. For centuries, it has been a cross-section of Spanish, French, Caribbean, and African influences, making the Big Easy a true multicultural destination. You can’t help but be taken by it’s world-class jazz, warm weather, delicious bayou cooking, and colorful festivals including Mardi Gras. On the business front, Louisiana, among the states, is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment per capita. 500 foreign-owned companies already operate there and the governor’s open invitation to foreign investors (including the E2 investor) is designed to only increase that number. No wonder New Orleans is ranked as one of the “Top 10 Cities of the Future.”

• Raleigh, North Carolina

Forbes has ranked this city in the top 3 “Best Places for Business and Careers” for a dozen years. As a member of the “Research Triangle,” Raleigh’s business has been on the cutting edge of science and technology for over 50 years. It is a true “hotspot” with migrants and money continually flowing in, not out. With mild winters, incredible golf, relatively inexpensive houses on large, green lots, and a revitalized cultural scene, it’s no wonder that young, STEM professionals are choosing Raleigh over Silicon Valley.

There you have it! If you’re an E2 investor, or are interested in moving to the US wit an E2 Visa. and you are ready to pick a city and move to the US, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rupert Law Group. We focus on the E2 investor, and we’re ready to help you.