Not sure where I'd rank this in the list, but I'd add Austin, TX as well. Traffic is a nightmare but there's a vibrant technology scene and supposedly a lot of

Not sure where I'd rank this in the list, but I'd add Austin, TX as well. Traffic is a nightmare but there's a vibrant technology scene and supposedly a lot of investment activity and growth in that area in the last several years. Housing prices are probably pretty high but I'm sure they're lower than the bay area, and probably similar to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Only problem with TX is the legislature has made some...questionable...choices in the last few years, so consider the way things are trending if that sort of thing is of concern to you. Edit: TX has no state income tax, but I'm told that they make up for it with higher-than-normal property taxes. How much higher, I have no idea, never been well off enough to be able to buy property. But that may be relevant to you as well. Everything's got pros and cons!