High marks on recreational facilities, school performance, low crime, poverty rates helped boost Nevada’s second largest city to No. 38
HENDERSON, Nev. – Coming in at number 38, the City of Henderson has been named one of America’s 50 Best Cities by Bloomberg Businessweek. High marks on availability of recreational facilities and school performance helped secure the city’s place on the magazine’s first such list.
The magazine used data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Great Schools, RealtyTrac and other sources to compile a list of the most desirable large American cities in which to live. Criteria included the number of recreational facilities, such as parks, restaurants, libraries and museums, as well as population demographics regarding income, poverty, crime, air quality and more.
Though Nevada’s second largest city ranked 38th, it ranked better than the No. 1 city, Raleigh, N.C., on several important criteria, including the poverty level, median household income and school scores.
“Henderson has really become America’s premier city,” said City of Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen. “We’ve always been mindful of making Henderson a desirable place to live, and it’s an honor to have Henderson’s facilities and quality of life recognized by a prestigious publication like Bloomberg Businessweek.”
Indicators such as these, in addition to the city’s business-friendly tax climate, convenient location within Nevada and the Southwest, workers compensation rates and more, have attracted hundreds of businesses to the city, according to Bob Cooper, manager for the City of Henderson’s Economic Development/Redevelopment Division.
“When business owners research possible cities in which to relocate, quality of life – both for themselves as well as their employees – is often an important factor in their decision,” Cooper said. “Retaining quality employees, especially in highly specialized industries, is important for business owners, and they want to know in advance that they’ll be able to keep their best employees, even through a move.”
Saville Kellner, president and CEO of Lake Industries Company, recently chose to move his company to Henderson.
“Lake Industries, along with our sister companies, Black Card Radio and JLS Financial, chose Henderson as our new home base for a myriad of reasons,” Kellner said. “Initially the lower tax rates attracted us to Henderson, but after interacting with the local authorities and local businesses, the business friendly environment and incredible commercial real estate values became quick added bonuses.”
Henderson — second only to Las Vegas in population in Nevada — arrived on the national scene in the 1990s when it became the United States’ fastest-growing city. Known for its master-planned communities and high quality of living, Henderson has become known as America’s premier city in which to live.
“When we told our employees that we were relocating to Henderson, their response was enthusiastic to say the least,” Kellner added. “Well over 75 percent of our employees are relocating to Southern Nevada, and all of them have chosen Henderson, specifically, as their home. The schools and recreational facilities for kids are a huge draw for the families relocating. The weather, Lake Mead and the incredible dining and entertainment in Southern Nevada excited all of our younger and single employees.”
Bloomberg Businessweek is a trusted source of essential, comprehensive insight that business leaders depend on to get ahead. Founded in 1929, the magazine is a market leader, with more than 4.7 million readers each week in 140 countries, reading stories written by more than 2,300 journalists in 146 bureaus across 72 countries.
The City’s Economic Development Division is available to work closely and confidentially with businesses considering relocation or expansion projects and provides services free of charge. Their role is to serve as a key member of the team and assist in a variety of ways. Assistance may include introductions to employment and training providers, community leaders and business contacts, identifying potential incentive programs, site/community tours, providing economic or demographic information, confidential real estate searches and facilitating meetings with regulatory agencies.
For more information on Bloomberg Businessweek’s America’s 50 Best Cities, click here.
For additional information on the City of Henderson Economic Development/Redevelopment Division call 702-267-1650 or visit its website.