Ask HN: Is moving to the Valley a good move?

[melonbar]

So I am a contractor at FAANG in a major US city. I have participated in startups for some time, enjoyed it a lot, gotten to a YC interview once (sadly didn’t make it). One of my best buddies is talking about maybe relocating to the Valley (I am on the east coast) and I am very interested in joining him. We both work at the same company on the same project and want to pursue our remote contracts while giving our side projects a better chance at growth. We really enjoy remote work so location never was an issue. However, I do think there is a lot of validity to relocating. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[eden-alpha]

I'd advise you to move. You will have greater economic opportunities if you are collocated to the HQs of the highest paying tech companies. NYC was a disaster in the 80s but a change in government greatly enhanced the security and livability of the city for someone in your cohort. SF and the bay area in will most likely transition over time in these dimensions. I have a sense that the companies and funding opportunities will remain.

[cercatrova]

Personally I moved out of the Valley and into NYC. SF was pretty bad in terms of homeless encampments but this seems to be getting worse, as well as all the other reasons of not having as much walkability as other cities (who doesn't love those hills) and not as much public transport. There's also not nearly as much to do in SF or the Valley as NYC in my opinion.

[sjg007 → cercatrova]

SF is not the Valley.

The weather is great, the rents are $$$$$ and everybody works all the time. It can also be smokey.

[cercatrova → sjg007]

I lived in SF as well as the Valley, both are somewhat boring places to be in with high rents.

[melonbar → cercatrova]

Thanks so much for the input! Ya I am currently in Philadelphia and like it quite a lot. But I never even took the leap to go out West. My sister lives there and shares your sentiments. I appreciate it.

[cercatrova → melonbar]

What I often do is take vacations to check out areas I want to live in. In the past I've been to SF, Miami, NYC, etc each for a week to scope out what the area is like. I'd recommend doing that if you can, especially since you work remote. Take a week or two and go there (could be vacation/PTO or just work during the weekdays) and see how it is for yourself before committing to moving anywhere fully. There were many cities I thought I'd like but I just didn't after going there, like Miami.

[melonbar → cercatrova]

Great advice! Ya, in the end I am willing to make some sacrifices if it helps and we have some tentative plans. Cheers.

[eunoia]

I moved to the valley for a FANG opportunity a few years ago.

Honestly, it’s not my cup of tea. Recently changed jobs to a company that supports full time remote so I can move somewhere with a better chance for a balanced (enjoyable) life.

Personal opinion, your mileage may vary etc.