A diverse and extensive customer base
More than 4,000 people live in the core of downtown with more than 74,000 in a 2 mile radius and a rapidly increasing 380,000 people live within a 5 mile radius. Over 140,000 people work downtown, 17,000 students attend downtown colleges, and approximately 30 million people visit downtown annually for conventions, sporting events, and entertainment purposes.

Availability and cost retail space
A number of downtown's property owners share the Downtown District’s vision of creating a vibrant mix of sustainable retail establishments. In order to get the right tenant, many property owners are willing to negotiate special lease terms & rates and offer generous tenant allowances for build-out. This is a rare opportunity, and with demand for retail on the rise, it won’t last long!

Best access to METRO's transit system
More than 70% of METRO's bus lines lead to and from downtown, including all of METRO's Park and Ride services and  METRORail, which carries about 45,000 passenger-trips each day.

You could be investing in Houston’s History
With architecture dating back to the 1800’s, downtown Houston has some of the most of stunning historic structures in the region. Within the Historic District and along Main Street particularly, many historic buildings have been renovated and offer customers a one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, or entertainment environment. To view the availability of historic retail spaces- see the retail vacancy list.

Marketing Support from the Downtown District and others
We want you to succeed. Although, it is critical that you have a strong and comprehensive business and marketing plan, we do have resources in place to help. 

Opening a new business can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. There are many resources to guide you on your way to starting a business and locating it downtown!

City of Houston One Stop Business Center
City of Houston How to Open a Food Establishment
City of Houston Codes & Permits