The number one place to live and work in the U.S. is Bellevue, Wash. according to a recent CNN Money article.The article lists the coexistence of large companies like Microsoft and Boeing alongside startups, and cites a “highly skilled” local workforce as the driving factor in this city’s marketplace success. Also notable is the absence of a corporate income tax, meaning small businesses are exempt from the B&O tax, so long as they gross less than $135,000 in taxable income. This fact alone has made the area attractive to entrepreneurs and small business owners.Bellevue also boasts one of the better school districts in the state, which—when coupled with large suburban neighborhoods—makes for a healthy family environment. Just 15 minutes across the water from downtown Seattle (without traffic), Bellevue will most likely be an even match to the growing metropolis in coming years.
Also, this view doesn’t hurt:Labels: Bellevue, business, CNN Money, real estate, Seattle
Just over a couple of decades ago, Dubai was a proverbial ghost-town with an economy almost solely reliant on a tiny supply of oil. But today, with a 20% GDP increase in 2006 and significant economic development thanks to its ports, Dubai is now considered one of the world’s busiest marketplaces for development and international commerce. This article from CNN money, claims that Dubai World, a holding company with over 100 billion dollars in assets including retail, port operators and real estate developers, is seeking to develop ports and cities on par with Dubai throughout the world.What does this mean for investors? There is big investment potential in underdeveloped coastal and port cities. What may have once been small shipping, import and export ports may now become prime building ground for luxury hotels, resorts and commercial real estate. Considering the rags to riches story that Dubai has to tell, investors should keep a close eye on Dubai World, and the places that they are considering for real estate development.Labels: CNN Money, Dubai, Dubai World, investors, ports, real estate development
