Amazon’s HQ2 Deadline: Now the Real Competition Begins

The deadline to submit proposals for Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters, dubbed HQ2, has arrived, and about 100 cities are expected to compete for the project. Amazon’s preferences for HQ2, which will cost more than $5 billion and create 50,000 jobs over the next two decades, include a metropolitan area with a population of more than 1 million, access to mass transit and the potential to attract and retain technical talent. The company has said it won’t make a decision until next year, but speculation is sure to reach new heights now that the bids are in. Here are 10 cities that may have the best shot at the prize.

Atlanta
The southern U.S. city, home of Amazon delivery partner United Parcel Service Inc., is a major flight hub, and the greater metro area houses a dynamic population of almost 6 million, as well as the headquarters of major corporations like Coca-Cola Co. and Home Depot Inc. Still, Atlanta is a relatively suburban city, compared with the urban HQ1 of Seattle.