5 Amazon HQ2 Mysteries

Though Amazon is keeping its search for the next HQ2 location under wraps, Washington Post recently reported that “in the vacuum, the tiniest shreds of information related to the HQ2 search are being examined with a level of scrutiny normally reserved for the Zapruder film or Bryce Harper’s coming free agency.” As anticipation builds over a murky waiting period, it’s hard not to get swept up in the theories, so here’s a list of 5 Amazon HQ mysteries to consider.

1. Austin

The Clue: Amazon's Super Bowl Ad

The ad, which featured Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, showcases a woman asking Alexa for the weather in Austin, before Anthony Hopkins feeds snacks to a peacock, the unofficial mascot of the city. Alexa: location hint?

2. Maryland 

The Clue: It's Executive Holly Sullivan's Hometown

Though its hard to say whether Sullivan’s connection will sway the decision, it could be said that her familiarity in the area will help their chances, especially given that she had glowing things to say about the town in her previous employment position.

3. Northern Virgina

The Clue: Eco-Friendly Buildings

According to ARLnow.com, thousands of clicks have been generated for a “County Wins Top Environmental Award from U.S. Green Building Council” article they published, and they claim that a majority of the clicks originated from an internal Amazon.com page devoted to all things HQ2.

4. Boston

The Clue: Executives Said So

Soon after Amazon announced it was searching for an HQ2 location, Bloomberg said several senior level executives had talked about Boston. Though Amazon refuted the claims, they did add Boston to the top 20 list, and in January, reporters found that the tech titan was in talks to lease 1 million square feet of office space in Beantown.

5. Los Angeles

The Clue: The Project's Codename is "Project Golden"

After many cities referenced the name of the “Project Golden” initiative, some speculated as to whether the name could be connected to the final city. It seems, however, that Golden is actually just “the last name of the mail clerk to whom the submissions were to be addressed,” or is it?

For more information, read the full article here and be sure to share your favorite Amazon HQ2 theory in the comments.