Area Development, the leading site selection and facility planning publication, announces the results of its 2024 Top States for Doing Business survey of location consultants. According to the results, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee are the best places for getting down to business.

Area Development consulted a select group of experts in site location to name their top choices in 14 categories that impact companies’ location and facility decisions. The states were ranked based on their number of mentions in each category, weighted by the diversity of categories in which they excelled.

“Georgia has once again earned its position at the top of our rankings, a title the state has held for 11 consecutive years,” said Publisher & President Dennis J. Shea. “The combination of logistics, workforce training, and a business-friendly environment continues to attract significant investment and job growth to the state.”

Georgia retains the #1 spot overall, dominating several key categories, including business incentives programs, logistics and infrastructure, and workforce training programs. The state’s superior infrastructure includes the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and the rapidly growing Port of Savannah, making Georgia a top destination for businesses reliant on global logistics. Additionally, Georgia’s Quick Start workforce training program continues to attract companies in advanced industries such as manufacturing, biotechnology, and information technology.

South Carolina, ranking second overall, leads in available real estate, site-readiness programs, and speed of project permitting. These strengths position the state as a prime location for new developments and expanding businesses. South Carolina’s streamlined permitting process and proactive real estate programs ensure businesses can quickly set up operations, providing a competitive edge.

Tennessee, which ranks third overall, scores highly in energy availability and costs and cooperative and responsive state/local government. Its low energy costs and proactive economic development policies make it an attractive location for companies seeking to reduce operational expenses while benefiting from a collaborative business environment. Tennessee’s focus on creating shovel-ready sites has also bolstered its attractiveness to companies seeking quick project turnarounds.

A full review of the 2024 Top States for Doing Business, along with expert commentary on the rankings, is available in the Q3 issue of Area Development magazine and online at https://www.areadevelopment.com/top-states.

Area Development is published quarterly and maintains several highly visited websites, including www.areadevelopment.com. The publication has also produced more than 50 Best Practices Consultants Forums for economic developers since 2006.