Why I’m Doubling Down on Texas Healthcare and Houston Industrial Real Estate

Let me tell you something exciting: After two decades in real estate and $7 billion in transactions, I’m like a kid in a candy store when I look at Texas healthcare and Houston industrial real estate right now. And trust me, I’m not easily impressed.

The Healthcare Gold Rush (But With Stethoscopes)

Remember how your grandparents used to say, “I’m not getting older, I’m getting better”? Well, the Baby Boomers are making that statement worth its weight in gold for healthcare real estate. By 2030, every single Boomer will be over 65, creating what I like to call the “Silver Tsunami” of healthcare demand.

But here’s the plot twist that makes this story even better: Millennials. These folks aren’t waiting until they’re sick to see a doctor – they’re tracking their steps, monitoring their sleep, and booking medical appointments like they’re making dinner reservations. They’re the first generation to treat their body like a temple that needs constant maintenance, not a car that runs until it breaks down.

In Houston, we’ve got front-row seats to this healthcare bonanza. The Texas Medical Center isn’t just the largest medical complex in the world – it’s like the New York City of healthcare, and it never sleeps. Outpatient facilities are leasing up faster than a Texas BBQ joint on Sunday afternoon, with occupancy rates above 93%. That’s not just good; that’s “leave your competitors in the dust” good.

The Port of Houston: Where Ships Come In (And Money Follows)

Now, let me paint you a picture of Houston’s industrial scene. Imagine taking the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York, throwing them in a blender, and still not matching what the Port of Houston handles. We’re not just busy – we’re “handle more cargo than anyone else in America” busy.

Here’s a mind-bender for you: The port doubled in size over the last six years. Double! And guess what? It’s going to pull that trick again by 2030. That’s not growth; that’s a Texas-sized explosion of opportunity.

Want some numbers that’ll make your head spin? In 2022, the port created 1.54 million jobs in Texas and pumped $439 billion into our state’s GDP. That’s not pocket change – that’s “build your own small country” money. And here’s the kicker: 70% of everything that comes through our port stays in Texas. Talk about keeping it in the family!

The E-commerce Tsunami (Yes, Another Tsunami)

Remember when “shopping” meant putting on pants and driving somewhere? Those days are going the way of the flip phone. E-commerce isn’t just growing; it’s eating retail for breakfast and asking for seconds. Every time someone clicks “Buy Now,” somewhere in Houston, an industrial property gets its wings (or at least its lease renewed).

What This Means for Your Money

So, where should you put your chips? Let me break it down:

• Outpatient Healthcare Facilities: These aren’t just doctors’ offices; they’re money-printing machines (legally, of course). Think urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and medical spas. Baby Boomers want convenient care, and Millennials want it yesterday.
• Industrial Properties Near the Port: If you’re not looking at industrial properties around the Port of Houston, you might as well be investing in Blockbuster Video. The demand here is hotter than a Texas summer.
• Value-Add Properties: Find something ugly and make it pretty (and functional). It’s like flipping houses, but for grown-ups with bigger checkbooks.

The Bottom Line

Listen, I’ve been around this block more times than I can count. I’ve seen trends come and go faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado. But what’s happening in Texas healthcare and Houston industrial real estate? This isn’t a trend – it’s a fundamental shift that’s going to last longer than your favorite pair of boots.

We’ve got an aging population that’s going to need more healthcare than ever, a younger generation that’s healthcare-obsessed, and a port that’s eating other ports for lunch. Add in the e-commerce boom that’s showing no signs of slowing down, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm of opportunity.

Remember, in Texas, we don’t just go big – we go astronomical. And right now, healthcare and industrial real estate are shooting for the stars. The only question is: Are you coming along for the ride?