Miami-Dade On Short List For Amazon's Second HQ?

MIAMI, FL — While any number of U.S. mayors are lining up faster than you can say "free, two-day shipping," to lure Amazon's second headquarters into their respective Zip Codes, the Magic City just might make the shortlist, according to financial research firm Moody's Analytics. At stake is an economic prize potentially worth nearly 50,000 new jobs and a $5 billion investment. Moody's used Amazon's stated preferences, its "understanding of relevant economic factors" and a little geography to put together its top 10 list of likely locations.

The Miami area ranked seventh on Moody's list behind Austin, Texas; Atlanta; Philadelphia; Rochester, N.Y.; Pittsburgh and New York City.

"Miami-Dade offers many advantages in its bid to be selected to for Amazon's second headquarters," according to Moody's. "Amazon is a logistics behemoth and Miami is a leading distribution center — Miami International is the nation's second busiest airport as ranked by metric tonnes of international freight and Port Miami is the only East Coast port south of Virginia capable of docking the largest ships that can navigate through the recently expanded Panama Canal."

Moody's also pointed to the fact that there are no state or local income taxes in Florida, which would be like giving Amazon employees a pay raise. CEO Jeff Bezos also graduated from a Miami-area high school so he is already familiar with the area.

But Moody's pointed out that Miami would be a difficult commute for Amazon executives who travel back and forth from the company's first headquarters in Seattle. Miami and Seattle represent the two furthest U.S. cities from one another. Moreover, Moody's believes it might be difficult to find a space large enough to accommodate the estimated 8 million square feet needed by Amazon.

The New York Times reported recently that Amazon would accept proposals for Amazon HQ2 from state and local leaders until Oct. 19. The company wants a city in North America with at least 1 million people that has a strong reputation in the tech world.

Watch: Amazon Is Expanding, And It Could Be Coming To A City Near You

Rounding out Moody's top 10 list are Portland, Oregon; Boston and Salt Lake City.

Moody's analyzed five key categories — business environment, human capital, cost, quality of life and transportation in coming up with its list.

The firm also looked at a "wild card" geography category, on the chance that Amazon may be looking at certain areas, like the economically attractive Northeast Corridor or cities closer to the halls of government in Washington D.C.. When geography is factored in, Philadelphia moves from third to first and Pittsburgh slides into the No. 2 spot.

Patch editors Deb Belt and Dan Taylor contributed to this report

Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of Amazon (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)