Why the I-35 corridor is important for Texas (and for investors!)

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By Paulina Moskala | Bricksave

July 26, 2024

News > Blog Article > Why the I-35 corridor is important …

Artistic representation of a section of the I-35 corridor

The I-35 corridor in Texas is a crucial artery for the state and the nation, significantly impacting the economy, culture, socio-demographics, and real estate investment potential. Here’s a detailed analysis from each of these perspectives: 

Economically 

Trade and Commerce 

North-South Connectivity: I-35 runs from Laredo on the Mexican border through major Texas cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth, extending to the northern U.S. and Canada. This makes it a vital trade route under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). 

Logistics and Distribution Hubs: Cities along the I-35 corridor host significant logistics and distribution centres. Dallas-Fort Worth, for instance, is a national logistics hub facilitating the movement of goods across the country. 

Business Growth: The corridor is home to a diverse range of businesses from technology firms in Austin to manufacturing plants in San Antonio and Dallas. Easy access to transportation helps attract businesses and investments. 

Employment Opportunities 

Job Creation: The industries along the I-35 corridor provide substantial employment opportunities. Tech companies in Austin, finance and insurance firms in Dallas, and manufacturing plants in San Antonio are major employers. 

Economic Development: The growth of businesses along the corridor leads to economic development in the form of infrastructure improvements, housing developments, and enhanced public services. 

Tourism 

Attraction Sites: The I-35 corridor is rich with tourist attractions such as the Alamo in San Antonio, the vibrant music scene in Austin, and numerous cultural and sporting events in Dallas-Fort Worth. 

Conventions and Conferences: Major cities along the corridor host numerous national and international conventions and conferences, contributing to the local economies through hospitality and related industries. 


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Culturally 

Diverse Communities 

Cultural Melting Pot: The I-35 corridor is known for its cultural diversity with significant Hispanic, African American, Asian, and other communities contributing to the rich cultural tapestry. 

Cultural Events: Cities along the corridor host numerous cultural festivals such as Fiesta San Antonio, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, celebrating diverse heritage and traditions. 

Educational Institutions 

Higher Education: The corridor is home to prominent universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University in San Marcos, and the University of Texas at San Antonio, contributing to cultural enrichment through educational programmes and events. 

Research and Innovation: These institutions are also centres for research and innovation, driving cultural and intellectual advancements in the region. 

Arts and Entertainment 

Music and Arts Scene: Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," and the Dallas Arts District are key highlights. The corridor is a hub for artists, musicians, and performers, fostering a vibrant cultural scene. 

Historic Sites and Museums: Numerous historic sites, museums, and theatres enrich the cultural landscape, preserving the history and heritage of the region. 

Socio-demographically 

Artistic representation of a section of Interstate 35

Population Growth 

Rapid Urbanisation: Cities along the I-35 corridor are among the fastest-growing in the United States. Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth have seen significant population increases driven by economic opportunities and quality of life. 

Urban Development: Population growth has led to substantial urban development with new residential, commercial, and recreational areas emerging along the corridor. 

Diverse Demographics 

Ethnic and Racial Diversity: The corridor’s population includes a wide range of ethnic and racial groups contributing to a multicultural environment. This diversity influences social dynamics, community interactions, and cultural expressions. 

Age Distribution: There is a significant presence of young professionals and students, particularly in Austin due to its tech industry and universities. This youthful demographic drives innovation, lifestyle trends, and economic vitality. 

Quality of Life 

Education and Healthcare: High-quality educational institutions and healthcare facilities in cities along the corridor enhance the overall quality of life for residents. 

Recreational Opportunities: Access to parks, recreational facilities, and cultural venues contributes to a high standard of living. The corridor’s cities often rank high in livability indexes due to these factors. 

Socioeconomic Disparities 

Income Inequality: Despite economic growth, there are noticeable socioeconomic disparities. Cities like Austin face challenges with income inequality, housing affordability, and gentrification. 

Community Programmes: Efforts to address these issues include community programs aimed at improving affordable housing, education, and job training for underrepresented populations. 

From the Perspective of a Real Estate Investor 

High Demand for Real Estate 

Population Growth: The rapid population growth in cities along the I-35 corridor drives demand for both residential and commercial real estate. Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth are among the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, leading to increased demand for housing, office space, and retail properties. 

Urban Development: Continuous urban development projects, including new residential complexes, commercial centres, and mixed-use developments, create numerous investment opportunities in both new constructions and renovations. 

Economic Stability and Growth 

Diverse Economy: The economic diversity along the corridor with strong sectors like technology, healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing ensures a stable and growing economic environment. This diversity reduces risk for real estate investments as it is not overly dependent on any single industry. 

Job Creation: The corridor's ability to attract major employers and foster job creation enhances economic stability and increases demand for various types of real estate from residential properties to commercial office spaces. 

Strong Rental Market 

Rental Demand: With a large influx of young professionals, students, and transient workers, there is a strong demand for rental properties. Cities like Austin and San Antonio have a robust rental market offering attractive yields for investors in residential rental properties. 

Commercial Leases: The presence of numerous businesses and start-ups also fuels the demand for commercial leasing. Retail spaces, office buildings, and industrial properties along the corridor often experience high occupancy rates and stable rental income. 

Appreciation Potential 

Property Value Growth: Historically, property values along the I-35 corridor have shown strong appreciation due to economic growth, population influx, and continuous urban development. Cities like Austin and Dallas have seen significant increases in property values, making real estate investment a potentially lucrative venture. 

Gentrification and Development: Areas undergoing gentrification and redevelopment offer significant appreciation potential. Neighbourhoods in cities like Austin and San Antonio are being transformed with new amenities and infrastructure, further driving up property values. 

Infrastructure Improvements 

Transportation Enhancements: Ongoing and planned improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as expansions and upgrades to I-35 and public transit projects, enhance connectivity and accessibility. These improvements make the corridor more attractive for living, working, and investing, leading to increased property values. 

Public and Private Investments: Significant public and private investments in infrastructure, parks, schools, and community facilities contribute to the attractiveness and livability of the corridor, benefiting real estate investments. 

Tax and Investment Incentives 

Pro-Business Environment: Texas is known for its pro-business policies, including no state income tax, which attract both businesses and residents. This favourable tax environment benefits real estate investors by enhancing the overall economic climate and increasing disposable income for residents. 

Investment Incentives: Various cities along the I-35 corridor offer incentives for real estate development such as tax abatements, grants, and financing assistance. These incentives can reduce initial investment costs and increase the return on investment for real estate projects. 

Diversification Opportunities 

Different Property Types: Investors have opportunities to diversify their portfolios with different property types and classes available along the corridor. From single-family homes and apartment complexes to commercial properties and mixed-use developments, the range of options helps mitigate investment risk and maximise returns. 

Emerging Markets: Emerging neighbourhoods and suburban areas along the I-35 corridor present opportunities for early investments in markets that are poised for growth. Identifying and investing in these emerging markets can yield substantial long-term returns as the areas develop and mature. 


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In conclusion, the I-35 Corridor in Texas presents a compelling opportunity for economic growth, cultural enrichment, sociodemographic diversity, and real estate investment. Its role as a trade and logistics hub, centre for cultural activities, and rapidly growing urban area makes it a crucial artery for the state and beyond. Investors can benefit from the corridor's dynamic growth and development, making it a strategic choice for both short-term gains and long-term investment success. 

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