Corporate Headquarters in Alabama

Alabama is a prime location for corporate and regional headquarters.

Some of the biggest names in business now have corporate or regional headquarters in Alabama. Among the diverse list of companies based in the state are the bank holding company Regions Financial Corp., manufacturers Kamtec and SSAB, communications equipment giant ADTRAN, software firm McLeod, grocer Aldi and tech innovators Shipt and Lake Home Realty. What is attracting headquarters to the state? Alabama's affordable real estate costs, flourishing metro areas, and diverse workforce are among the reasons national and international companies are choosing Alabama.

Alabama offers companies many strategic and logistical benefits, such as the Port of Mobile. It is one of the largest deep-water seaports in the US, with more than 53 million tons of cargo passing through annually. Cargo from the Port of Mobile can be transported across the state or around the country via railroads, highways, or waterways. There are over 15,000 miles or 24,000 km of inland and intracoastal waterways in Alabama, 5 Class 1 railroads connecting Alabama to the contiguous United States, Mexico, and Canada, 23 Class III or shortline railroads, 19 US Highways, and one marine highway to Mexico. Alabama's waterways, railroads, and highways will give your business access to national and global markets.

The affordability of real estate in Alabama is another sweetener for businesses considering the state for their headquarters. The average rent for commercial property in Birmingham, Alabama—one of the hottest cities in the state—was $20.99 per square foot in 2020. Compare that to New York City, where the average cost of rent was $85.56 per square foot or San Francisco, California, where the average was $87.18 per square foot. The cost to purchase a commercial building in Birmingham was $95.82 per square foot, while the price in New York City was $775.65 and $976.94 in San Francisco. Whether you are attracted to Alabama's larger metro areas or prefer the unique feel of a smaller community, your company can find what you are looking for at an affordable cost.

The best region in Alabama for your headquarters depends on your industry and the cultural fit you are seeking. Birmingham is building a reputation as a hub for steel manufacturing, health care, financial services, biotechnology, life sciences and entrepreneurship. Mobile is known for its chemical and aerospace industries but is also attracting steel, shipbuilding, and manufacturing businesses. The state capital of Montgomery is best known for its aerospace and automotive services. Huntsville is a key city for defense, aerospace, automotive and technology.
Corporations attracted to smaller, diverse locations are moving their headquarters to university-centered cities like Tuscaloosa and Auburn. Smaller cities—like Anniston, Dothan, Talladega, Jasper, Clanton, Enterprise, and Troy—appeal to companies who prefer the benefits of being based in a tight-knit community.

To learn more about the benefits of basing your headquarters in Alabama, please contact: