Business Climate Report There’s a reason Texas is widely considered the best state for business. Our business climate and highly talented workforce continue to lure new industries to our state, making us one of the largest economies in the country and the 12th largest economy in the world by GDP. More people move to Texas every day than any other state in the country. Key attributes of the DFW region: Affordable real estate (both commercial and residential) Well-qualified and plentiful workforce Pro-business environment Highly accessible transportation (freeways, tollways, air, rail) with 4 existing light-rail stops in Richardson and 2 new rails by 2022 Reliable, high-capacity utilities Superb quality of life for people of all ages and ethnicities Abundance of sports and recreational venues/events, music, arts and cultural amenities Cost of Doing Business* in Select Cities (100 = U.S. Average) City Cost New York 221.3 San Francisco 159.9 Boston 140.1 Portland 119.1 Chicago 117.4 Houston 99.0 Phoenix 97.3 Orlando 95.9 Dallas 95.7 Source: C2ER Economic Strength For the 12th year in a row, both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s credit rating agencies have reaffirmed Richardson’s “Triple A” status, the highest possible rating available for credit worthiness. Richardson has held AAA status from Standard & Poor’s for 14 years now, and this is the 12th year in a row the City has received an Aaa rating from Moody’s. For more information, visit the City's website.