Why Smart Businesses Are Betting on Leander – Land, People, and Room to Grow

If you are a business owner scanning the Austin metro for your next location, Leander deserves a serious look. Mayor Na’Cole Thompson made that case directly at the Leander Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City luncheon and the argument is a compelling one. It starts with the people. Leander is approaching 100,000 residents, with a planned build-out of 225,000. The largest demographic segment moving into the city is families with young children. These are people planting roots, not passing through. And they come with spending power. “Our median income suggests to developers that there’s disposable income in our community,” Thompson said, “that people want to participate and spend money on entertainment, on experiences, and different things like that.”

It starts with the people. Leander is approaching 100,000 residents, with a planned build-out of 225,000. The largest demographic segment moving into the city is families with young children. These are people planting roots, not passing through. And they come with spending power. “Our median income suggests to developers that there’s disposable income in our community,” Thompson said, “that people want to participate and spend money on entertainment, on experiences, and different things like that.”

But Thompson’s pitch to prospective businesses goes deeper than demographics. It is about what Leander can offer that other markets simply cannot anymore. “You wanna move to Leander because of the people,” she said. “The community here is very embracing of small business and business in general. We want to see unique and different things come to our city, and they will come out and support you.”

Then there is the physical reality of the market itself. In a metro region where available land is increasingly scarce and costs are climbing, Leander remains accessible. “We have plenty of land, so if you wanna build something from the ground up, you can do that,” Thompson said. “If you want to lease something because you’re not ready to build, you can do that. I think you can find a property in your price range in Leander, which is huge. Some places you can’t. You’re priced out of the market.”

The city is also investing heavily in the infrastructure to support business growth. Hero Way is being expanded. The San Gabriel Parkway East extension will push connectivity further toward Ronald Reagan Boulevard. A dedicated economic development department is actively recruiting primary employers and working to match the right businesses with the right opportunities in the city. And the rankings don’t hurt. Second best place to live in Texas. Seventh safest city in the state. A school district that works. These are the data points businesses use when deciding where to invest.

Thompson summed it up the way she often does, with the through line that defines her vision for the city. “Opportunity lives in Leander,” she said. “The opportunity to start a new business. The opportunity to expand a business.”

For businesses ready to grow, Leander is ready for them.

Are you interested in more details about all the growth here in Leander?

Visit the Leander Economic Development Story Map.

This interactive map takes you through developments happening throughout Leander. The website takes you on a tour or you can choose on the map what location you would like to learn more about.

Join us at the State of Leander Summit in September!

Get an inside look at the future of one of the fastest-growing cities in America at the State of Leander Summit!

This exciting full-day event brings together business leaders, residents, developers, and community partners for exclusive updates from Leander’s city leadership. Hear firsthand from the Mayor, City Manager, and department leaders as they share the latest on economic development, parks, planning, public works, infrastructure, and the exciting projects shaping our community.

Enjoy lunch featuring the annual State of the City address, then hop aboard for a guided community development bus tour showcasing Leander’s newest developments and what’s on the horizon.

Whether you’re a business owner, resident, investor, or simply passionate about our community, the State of Leander Summit is your opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of Leander’s continued success.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see where Leander is headed next!