
Why Choose Gun Barrel City: A Strategic Choice for Business and Lifestyle
October 18, 2024
Gun Barrel City, Texas, offers an attractive combination of strategic location, financial advantages, and a business-friendly atmosphere. It is a prime location for businesses looking to expand. It is close to the Metroplex, has robust retail opportunities, and offers a range of incentives designed to support business growth.
Location Advantages
One key reason to choose Gun Barrel City is its ideal location. Situated just 55 miles southeast of the Metroplex, businesses in Gun Barrel City benefit from easy access to the economic engine of North Texas. This short distance to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex makes it convenient for businesses to reach over 7 million consumers, providing immediate market reach and supply chain advantages. The nearby U.S. Highway 175 offers direct connectivity to major highways, facilitating the transport of goods and services to regional, national, and international markets. Proximity to the Metroplex also provides access to a diverse and skilled workforce. Businesses can tap into the metroplex's talent pool while employees enjoy the affordable and serene lifestyle that Gun Barrel City offers.
No City Property Tax
Another significant draw for businesses and residents is Gun Barrel City's financial advantage—no city property tax. This unique benefit sets the city apart from other Texas municipalities. The absence of city property tax allows businesses to invest more capital into their operations, expansion, and workforce. For property owners, this means considerable savings, making it an attractive place to live and invest. In a competitive business landscape, cost savings can make a big difference, and Gun Barrel City's no-property-tax policy gives companies the financial flexibility to grow. Moreover, residents benefit from lower housing costs, creating a community with a high quality of life at a lower price than neighboring cities.
Retail Opportunities
Gun Barrel City serves as the commercial hub of the Cedar Creek Lake area, attracting a mix of elite corporations and local businesses that recognize the immense potential of the region’s population and economic growth. Several national brands have chosen Gun Barrel City for their operations, taking advantage of the city's thriving retail environment.
One success story is Walmart, which established a SuperCenter in Gun Barrel City in 1983. The store has consistently ranked among the top-performing locations in Texas regarding sales per square foot. Lowe’s Home Improvement followed suit, opening a store in 2009, and it, too, has become one of the chain's best performers. Starbucks, which opened its first location in 2017, demonstrates the "Frappuccino effect," a phenomenon where the presence of a Starbucks often signals rising property values.
Elder CDJR opened a dealership in 2018, with the corporate team sold on the city’s growing business activity during their visit. Discount Tire opened in 2020 and is already preparing to expand with a new site under construction. These corporate successes underpin Gun Barrel City’s viability for new businesses.
In addition to these national chains, other high-performing brands like Chili’s, Sally Beauty, Denny’s, America’s Best, and Taco Bell have successful locations within city limits. The city also boasts a strong community of long-standing, locally-owned businesses contributing to its vibrant economy. These factors make Gun Barrel City a prime destination for retailers and site selectors looking to tap into a growing market.
Gun Barrel City has partnered with The Retail Coach, a national retail consulting and market research firm, to boost retail opportunities further. The Retail Coach works closely with the city to identify retail gaps, attract new businesses, and provide insights for site selectors. This partnership reflects the city's proactive business development approach and commitment to creating a vibrant retail environment.
Streamlined Permitting and Business-Friendly Environment
Gun Barrel City is known for its business-friendly approach. The city is committed to ensuring a smooth process for businesses looking to establish or expand operations. With streamlined permitting processes, Gun Barrel City aims to reduce red tape and minimize delays, allowing companies to focus on what matters most—growth and success. As the city continues to develop its business infrastructure, it remains focused on attracting site selectors and developers. By working with The Retail Coach and creating an inviting business environment, Gun Barrel City is positioning itself as a destination for entrepreneurs, retailers, and investors.
Gun Barrel City perfectly balances location, affordability, and opportunity. With its proximity to the Metroplex, no city property tax, thriving retail market, and business-friendly policies, it's no wonder more companies and residents are choosing Gun Barrel City as their next destination. Whether you want to expand your business or enjoy a high quality of life, Gun Barrel City is a city of opportunity.
The Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation is ready to help businesses, developers, and investors capitalize on the growing demand for local industry and services. From site selection assistance to facilitating incentives, we provide hands-on support for expanding companies. Contact us today to learn why Gun Barrel City is the ideal place to invest outside the Metroplex!