I briefly evaluated a move to Silicon Valley. But after calculating that I was going to pay twice as much for half as much house, quadruple my commute, and have

I briefly evaluated a move to Silicon Valley. But after calculating that I was going to pay twice as much for half as much house, quadruple my commute, and have to send my kids to a lower quality (or private) school; the decision was made for me. My rough estimate was that I'd have to make about $300K/year to make it worth it. Instead I'm enjoying the vibrant and feverishly growing tech community of Charleston, SC and the quality of life advantages that come with living in Conde Naste's #1 rated travel destination. I suspect as housing costs in the Bay Area continue to rise, an increasing number of engineers will come to the same conclusion.