The "brand value" is a meaningless consideration. Ignore it. The question I'd ask is: Do you like your job at Apple? You've already worked there. You should ha

The "brand value" is a meaningless consideration. Ignore it. The question I'd ask is: Do you like your job at Apple? You've already worked there. You should have some idea of whether it's a place you want to keep working. If you're reading HN, studying CS, and willing to consider living among the world's sunniest collection of temporary buildings, don't be in a rush to leave Silicon Valley. If you decide in a year or four that you would like to leave Apple the alternatives are literally right around the corner. Seattle is not the worst tech city either, thanks to all those current and former Microsoft employees, but it will surely have fewer pickings. On the other hand, if you can't stand Silicon Valley, head north. It's not as if it would be some kind of career-killing mistake. You can change your mind later if you want.