When choosing a base for your business in the US it is all too easy to be drawn into the notion that there are only two options: Silicon Valley, and New York.

While it’s true that these are epicentres of the economy, they also come with extremely high costs, both for your business and personally, and intense competition for talent.

For founders, it’s important to step back and assess all the available options to find a fit that’s affordable, but puts you in the best position based on your size, sector, and goals.

We connected with David Rose, CEO and Founder of US Expansion Partners, to get his views on the best practices when it comes to selecting your base in the United States.

When selecting possible sites for your US subsidiary, there are 7 factors to consider, grouped into personal and business considerations.

Business considerations

1. The time zone
US customers and partners have high expectations, and it’s important that you can move quickly to meet them. By choosing a site in the Eastern Time Zone, you are giving both your local and US teams the best chance of collaborating and moving quickly.

2. The strength of the local tech sector
Access to potential partners, peers and of course customers is crucial. Your site should put you in close contact with the kind of people you need in your network. Keep an eye out for startup-friendly policies, initiatives, and regulations.

3. Affordability of operating costs
Your rent, taxes and the cost of essential services will vary greatly by state. Given the need to budget conscientiously, it’s important that you consider sites that give you the most affordable access to the market and talent possible.

4. The health of the local tech ecosystem
Startup founders tend to cluster in specific locations. Look for a vibrant community that makes it easy to connect with peers: it’s likely already on the radar for potential investors, partners and customers.

5. Innovation infrastructure
Travelling nationally across the US can be time consuming and expensive. A hub that is well connected for road and air travel is more appealing to talent and potential business connections alike.

Personal considerations

6. Quality of life
Scaling to the US is taxing on founders and their families. Your wellbeing matters, so it can be helpful to try and relocate to an area that gives you easy access to the kind of lifestyle you need. For example, you may need to access schools, or Universities, or favour a location that offers easy access to nature to help you clear your mind. Maybe you feel it’s finally time to live somewhere warm! These are all considerations you should make. Plus an area that appeals to your family may appeal to others – another arrow in your quiver to attract talent.

7. A strong sense of community
Exploring new markets is daunting, and the support of like-minded expats can make a difficult transition more manageable.

When it comes to selecting a site for your US subsidiary, it’s important to look beyond the familiar names from films.

It’s advised to choose a site that gives you the lifestyle you want, but that also gives your business the best chance to succeed. Factors like rental costs, tax regulations, and access to talent and transport should all be part of your conversation.

Feel like you need additional guidance? A site selection tool can help you to generate a shortlist of possible subsidiary sites.