NORTH CAROLINA -- It's an amazing opportunity that cities across the U.S. are vying for: to become the home base of Amazon's HQ2 Project.

Whichever city is awarded the new headquarters will receive 50,000 new jobs accompanied by an immense amount of economic growth.

At least three North Carolina cities are hoping to be chosen by the online retailer giant.

Officials from Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro have all announced plans to submit a proposal to Amazon to be in the running for the new headquarters.

The North Carolina cities are up against some stiff competition from cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

The New York Times lists Charlotte and Raleigh in the top 14 contenders for HQ2, but excludes the Triad from their picks altogether. However, the Queen City is ruled out when it comes to "quality of life" considerations and "the cultural edginess that attracts young, educated workers," while Raleigh is eliminated when it comes to being a city "workers can easily get around and out of town" from.

Despite the competition from the bigger cities, leaders from the NC cities are confident they have as good of a chance as anywhere else.

Triangle leaders think their area is prime location because of the educated workforce, high quality universities and location.

"They're looking for a high tech workforce. They're looking for a community that young people, creative types are looking to move to. They're looking for a place with a good school system, great universities, great community colleges and access to freeways and highways and rail and international airports. So I mean, we ticked off every single one of those boxes," said John Burns, Wake County commissioner.

Triad leaders say the impact a headquarters would have for their region would be huge and that they are just as qualified.

"You know, we have a wonderful quality of life here...We've got a great workforce, ready and willing," said Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughn. "We believe we have all the assets and conditions that Amazon is looking for." 

Amazon criteria for location scouting includes factors like a metro area of up to one million people, a location within 45 minutes of international airports, steady economic growth and good quality of life.

The Amazon proposal deadline for all cities is Oct. 19.