re: Only a few cities could actually accommodate Amazon's second HQ

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I mean Raleigh may not even be the best option in its own state (Charlotte) so you need to think a little harder.

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Raleigh is in the middle of a university research megacluster. It's also more attractive to granola type tech people. It's already a tech startup hotspot. It's definitely the better option.

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I mean Raleigh may not even be the best option in its own state (Charlotte) so you need to think a little harder.

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I put Raleigh-Durham-Cary well above Charlotte and stand by it. UNC-Charlotte can't compete with the research triangle.

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You're not sure how cities like Charlotte, Columbus, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Indianapolis, etc. couldn't compete?

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I thought about Phoenix, Columbus, and Charlotte. They're great options for most companies, but are 2nd tier in terms of what Amazon likely wants. Phoenix is on the west coast and they're likely looking for something East of the Rockies. Columbus has a lot going for it (tOSU, close to AWS region) but it's not hip enough to overcome the fact that it's still the rust belt, and it's still Ohio. I considered Charlotte but Raleigh will beat them if it comes down to NC.

Pittsburg is also an interesting choice that I didn't consider.

The others you mentioned have no chance, imo. All we can really do is speculate. Only time (and Jeff Bezos) will tell, obviously.

I'm guessing they already have it narrowed down to one or two metros but just want to get the hype going so that state and local governments will throw more money at them.