Massage Heights currently has more than 100+ franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada that span a wide variety of geographical territories. But thanks to the return of co-founder Shane Evans, the brand’s 20th anniversary, and the brand evolution, Heights has embarked on a bold new expansion plan for growth in 2025. It’s all part of the strategy to continue taking advantage of a booming health and wellness marketplace, currently valued at over $1.8 trillion in annual revenue.
An immense amount of strategic analysis and market evaluation has gone into the brand’s aggressive franchise development plans. Heights has identified and isolated several specific territories with highly desirable attributes. At the top of the list is Austin, the state capitol of Texas. Keep reading for an in-depth look at why Heights Wellness Retreat has singled out this thriving metro area to offer its wide range of therapeutical products and services.
A Highly Coveted Destination
Unless you’ve visited before, it’s hard to describe the pull and attraction of Austin, Texas – especially as a destination for new business development. The latest statistics make a convincingly strong case for this bustling, tech-based business hub with a population of just under one million. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Austin metro area grew at a faster rate than any other city, expanding 33% in a 10-year span between 2010-2020. Austinites are younger, more educated, and diverse, due in part to the 50,000+ students enrolled at the University of Texas - the state’s flagship higher educational institution. The cost of living is significantly lower than other U.S. tech hubs, there’s no state income tax, and the city maintains its status as the hottest housing market in the country. To top it off, the region enjoys a subtropical climate, consisting of hot summers and very mild winters.
An Economy That’s Diverse. And Robust
Austin was one of only two U.S. cities, deemed by Inc. Magazine, to be the hottest startup hubs in America. It’s home to the greatest density of high-growth companies and enjoys the highest rate of job creation in the U.S. Not only is unemployment staggeringly low (3.5%), but Moody’s Analytics ranked Austin as “America’s Best Job Market.” Though the region boasts a diverse set of industries, Austin is a Tech Hotbed, home to global brands such as Tesla, Dell, Samsung, Applied Materials, Apple, and IBM. And, as Heights knows all too well – people in the high-tech industry typically work high-stress jobs, making this the happiest of hunting grounds for our wide range of therapeutic services.
A Ringing Endorsement for New Business Owners
Another reason Massage Heights believes Austin, Texas is ripe for franchise development is the city’s status as a startup magnet. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as the “No. 1 Best Place to Start a New Business,” it’s earned a couple of other well-deserved labels. These include Austin being the “Most Affordable City for Startups,” as well as being ranked the second-best preferred market for commercial real estate prospects by CBRE. Launching a new business in the Austin market should be a franchisee’s dream, thanks to the consistently good ranking the city continues to earn in multiple startup categories. Oh, and did we mention there’s no state income tax in Texas?
The aforementioned details paint a picture of a robust, thriving economy, with an incredible quality of life index to boot. But there’s plenty more to love about Austin, Texas in a non-business sense. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is home to unparalleled nightlife and entertainment – with over 250 music venues. In addition to mouthwatering cuisine such as the country’s best Tex-Mex and BBQ options, the centrally located city is also home to some 348 parks and 265 scenic trails leading to the steppes of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Austin is more than just a new business destination, it’s a whole vibe. Which is why the city’s slogan is, and remains, “Keep Austin Weird.”
Favorable statistics and data such as these leave us with one simple question - who wouldn’t want to live and work here.
Let’s Chat!
Heights Wellness Retreat is a leader in massage therapy, skincare and wellness, helping guests prioritize self-care through expert-driven, high-quality services. With 100+ Massage Heights franchise locations across North America, we offer a proven business model in the booming wellness industry.
If you're ready to explore an exciting future as a Heights franchise owner, we’d love to connect. Contact us today, and one of our franchise development representatives will be in touch to help you take the next step.
