I do know one person who left NYC financial market job (as a developer, high pressure very high pay/bonus) for Phoenix area after 9/11 ... so I wouldn't say it'

I do know one person who left NYC financial market job (as a developer, high pressure very high pay/bonus) for Phoenix area after 9/11 ... so I wouldn't say it's impossible... It might even be an opportunity, if you aren't trying to sell/buy a house right now. As for getting displaced... I would worry about that... in 2000-2001 a lot of companies in SF/SV folded and many more shrunk workforces rapidly in tech... it hit here by the end of 2001, and was near the end of 2002 before I was working regularly again (for 30% less)...