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Ask HN: Advice on Southern tech cities

1 points by sputknick 9y ago

I'm looking for advice on Southern cities for tech jobs. How accurate is my assessment of the below cities, and are there any good Southern tech cities I missed? I would ideally like to be in an area where I can work on emerging technologies: blockchain, AI, cloud architecture. Other considerations: commute time, number of available jobs. I'm currently a Product Manager at a software company in Seattle. My wife is unhappy here, so I'm looking to move to the South and we are considering a few cities: Austin Tx: Currently #1 on our list, strong tech scene, good quality of life. Houses are a little pricey. Raleigh NC: Currently #2 on our list, strong tech scene, good quality of life, tech companies seem to be more spread out than Austin, making it harder to buy a house and guarantee a short commute. Houston Tx: Cheaper houses, more jobs, but it seems more "corporate" than Austin. Also longer commutes. Atlanta GA: Similar to Houston, corporate jobs, long commutes.

CuriouslyC 9y ago
The Raleigh/Durham area heavily research oriented, so it's better than Austin for data-science work IMO. There isn't really a big web company scene here, there are lots of developer shops and B2B IT service companies though. If you get a house in south Durham, your commute will be between 5-30 minutes, averaging about 20 minutes. Public transit is not really an option and nothing is walkable, but parking is plentiful (except at the universities). The area is pleasantly low-density, with lots of parks, hiking, boating, rafting and similar outdoor activities. Cost of living is lower than Austin for a similar commute and quality level.
- sputknick 9y ago
  That's really helpful, thank you! I've been to Raleigh a few times, like it.
JSeymourATL 9y ago
Austin seems to make everyone's short list these days. Don't overlook Nashville/Franklin for great quality of life. If you've got the chops to work on emerging tech, more companies are open to remote/virtual hires. > http://www.businessinsider.com/us-news-best-places-to-live-in-the-south-2016-3/#1-austin-texas-24 http://www.businessinsider.com/us-news-best-places-to-live-i...

1 points by sputknick 9y ago

CuriouslyC 9y ago

The Raleigh/Durham area heavily research oriented, so it's better than Austin for data-science work IMO. There isn't really a big web company scene here, there are lots of developer shops and B2B IT service companies though. If you get a house in south Durham, your commute will be between 5-30 minutes, averaging about 20 minutes. Public transit is not really an option and nothing is walkable, but parking is plentiful (except at the universities). The area is pleasantly low-density, with lots of parks, hiking, boating, rafting and similar outdoor activities. Cost of living is lower than Austin for a similar commute and quality level.

sputknick 9y ago
That's really helpful, thank you! I've been to Raleigh a few times, like it.

JSeymourATL 9y ago

Austin seems to make everyone's short list these days. Don't overlook Nashville/Franklin for great quality of life. If you've got the chops to work on emerging tech, more companies are open to remote/virtual hires. > http://www.businessinsider.com/us-news-best-places-to-live-in-the-south-2016-3/#1-austin-texas-24 http://www.businessinsider.com/us-news-best-places-to-live-i...