Bill Mears | Broker 

As urban congestion and rising costs plague major metropolitan areas, commercial real estate (CRE) investors are eyeing new opportunities in secondary markets. Cities like Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh are rapidly emerging as attractive alternatives, offering cost-effective environments that encourage growth and innovation. This shift is reshaping the CRE landscape, turning these cities into vibrant hubs for office, retail, and industrial spaces. Here’s why secondary markets are gaining momentum and what this means for the future of CRE.

Secondary markets are taking cues from the successes of smaller tertiary markets, using proven strategies to ignite growth and foster innovation. In places like Janesville and Beloit, transformative projects like the Beloit Casino, the Woodman’s Center in Janesville, and the innovative entertainment venue Henry Dorrbaker’s Pub & Play are reshaping the local landscape. Coupled with new multifamily developments springing up in both cities, these efforts are driving vibrancy and attracting businesses, investors, and residents alike. By adopting these playbooks, secondary markets are transforming into dynamic destinations, redefining commercial real estate opportunities beyond the major metros.

 

Read the CBC blog here.