I have this constant internal argument of where do I go to live. I work in a city with an outdated tech scene, and very little vertical growth. The local tech m

I have this constant internal argument of where do I go to live. I work in a city with an outdated tech scene, and very little vertical growth. The local tech managers and developers are trying. But the local government is raising taxes, making it a non lucrative way to start or run a business in the city area. As someone who has been primarily remote for the past four years, part of this seems like an unnecessary argument. On the other hand my roles are largely short term contracts. So when ever my contract ends I think about moving to another city. But I'm only looking at a very minor pay bump in the range of 10 to 20k. While rent doubles at the lowest option, and regular expenses increase by ~15%. The other trend I'm seeing is the rise of reverse commuting. Due to the aforementioned tax issue in my area. A lot of companies are moving out to the suburbs. I've seen really interesting job opportunities. But the distance/travel is an issue. I'm not traveling four hours a day to job, and having to walk several miles along an interstate to get to work. As someone who can't drive for medical reasons. I feel I have a very limited number of cities in America I can live in. I prefer walking, and transit. Going out several times a week. I'd love to live in NYC. But fiscally it doesn't make sense right to me. Only 10k more than my current role, but double the rent and higher cost of living. Of the cities with transit. NYC hands down wins in regards to better opportunities to my current city. But at the cost of work life balance, and fiscal independence. So I can see this. I know a number of old co-workers who have moved to a more rural environment. From a big city environment to reduce cost of living, or stress of city living. Or move outside the city to a nearby suburb. Being a general short term contractor. I've worked in a few of these super star cities on site. Trying to help boot strap a new team. They have an issue finding "talent", paying well below market rate with really hard work and long hours. I try and sell them on partial remote, or full remote. Which isn't a stretch because they have a full staff-aug team in another time zone. But the hire has to be on site. I also know a number of co-workers adhering to fatFIRE. There are a number of people who are tired of this rat race, and just want to be done with it. It's something that needs to be addressed, but there isn't an easy solution. http://money.com/money/5241566/vicki-robin-financial-independence-retire-early/ http://money.com/money/5241566/vicki-robin-financial-indepen...