Make the move to Austin or stay in bay area?
Spouse received an offer with Apple HW 160k (120 base) and I have the potential option of working remote with 160k base . I'm considering whether it makes sense for us to make the move to Austin or just stay put in the bay area to optimize TC. I'm hoping to make a move to a better Tc if we continue in the bay area. But that might change if we move to Austin. Obviously, the cost of housing is relatively leaser in Austin and we're hoping to start a family so that's a definite plus for it but not sure If we're giving up on the bay area too soon . Both of us are in early 30s at this point. Any insight would be great !
“Relatively lesser” LOL you can live like royalty in Austin with combined TC > 300k. Also as is apparent by your SO getting a job at Apple in Austin, it’s not like the opportunities are non-existent; all of FAANG (maybe not N) have tech in Austin and there are plenty of other top tech and startups in the city; sure your TC will never have the potential that it does in BA but unless your Combined TC gets above 500, you’ll have more disposable in Austin
Fair enough. But she is in hardware and I see a lot more hardware positions than software in Austin. Also, Facebook and Google seem to have support engineering related roles so I wasnt sure . Appreciate the insight though
lived in Austin until last year, 300k doesn't let you live like "royalty" at all.
Austin may become the next Seattle, in which case it will be a killer move. If it doesn’t, you may end up losing a lot of opportunities
We are also thinking of moving out of Bay Area and after evaluating San Diego, Denver, Austin and Salt Lake City, we have decided Austin. It is a great city with great schools. Only drawback is that it is surrounded by Texas. And, you are correct that there are lot of good opportunities. TC may not be like Bay Area but will be enough that you will save good money for retirement.
Anyone thinking of moving there, please spend a weekend there in summer. Now imagine 4-5 months of this 95+ degrees weather. And this is getting worse each year. Do you really want to spend 1/3rd of your life indoors? The beauty of the valley is that even on the hottest summer weekends, you can drive an hour to the coast and be guaranteed great weather.
Actually this might work out for us. We prefer the heat to the cold. To give you an idea, az was also a contender on the list but just didn't have enough companies
Moved from Austin to Bay Area. Never ever going back.
Yeah same question . Why? Career ? Weather ? Could use the insight. Thanks !
I left California a decade ago. One of the best decisions I ever made.
too soon? gtfo! srsly it’s getting worse here, quickly
Live in Austin for three months. See if you like it. TC, career and all doesn't matter in the next 20 year term because both cities have avenues for that. What will matter is how much you love your life. Some people prefer Austin. I moved from Austin and won't go back. Everyone's got a different preference.
Thanks that's a good suggestion . Any reason why Austin might be a bad idea ? Weather/prospects ?
Depends on what you want in your life. My considerations were. 1) it's isolated. If you leave Austin, you have nothing interesting for at least 3-4 hours by road. Houston and Dallas are basically concrete jungles. So no weekend getaways. 2) nature is flat. No hiking, no ocean. There's a lake you can kayak in, as large as shoreline park in MV. 3) opportunities aren't that many. Yes you'll always have a good job. But given that I didn't like the city, I at least wanted an ocean of opportunities. 4) If I start to find Bay area too expensive, I might consider Seattle or Denver.
Fair enough. Although I suspect the 3 to 4 months thingy will be a logistical nightmare eventhough I really like it. Especially given that we're on visas. Thanks for the insight
Sublease your apartment, get an Airbnb and remote work. It's a bigger nightmare if you go there and realize you want to relocate back here. No one on blind can substitute your own experience.
Oh and not sure if your into this, but no weed in Texas. That alone makes me very sad. Even though I consume like once in few months, but freedom is a thing.
No brainer. Move to Austin. This should be a poll.
Made it a poll Thanks!