America’s #1 Tech Hub?
The American tech industry has been traditionally dominated by cities like San Francisco, New York and Seattle, where the world’s largest tech companies are based. What makes a great tech hub? Factors vary from city to city, but— hotspots do not simply sprout out of the ground without certain fundamentals in place. We asked professionals in 5 different cities if their city fosters an environment for helping technology companies to thrive, their ability to network with like-minded professionals and tech career opportunities.
Blind, the anonymous professional network, received survey responses from a total of 1,085 users in SF, Seattle, NYC, Austin, and Chicago
3 Cities that earned #1 spots:
#1 City with a Thriving tech environment: Austin
Austin is the colorful state capital of Texas. With the city slogan “Keep Austin Weird”, it’s no wonder that the city boasts eclectic live music, art, and food scene.
#1 City for networking with like-minded tech professionals: New York City
New York City is a global icon at the forefront of culture, finance, and media. As the most populous city in the US, NYC features world-class institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. The city comprises five different boroughs; each with its own unique cultural, food, and architecture scenes. NYC surely offers something for everyone.
#1 City for tech career opportunities: San Francisco
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct personality. From hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint boutiques.
Depending on what stage you are in your career and personal life, each of these cities may offer you exactly what you are looking for. Here are more key learnings:
- 85% of San Francisco professionals believe the city fosters an environment where tech companies can thrive
- 92% of Austin professionals believe the city fosters an environment where tech companies can thrive
- 70% of San Francisco professionals have been able to network with link minded professionals in the area
- 73% of Austin professionals have been able to network with link minded professionals in the area
- 63% of Chicago professionals believe the city fosters an environment where tech companies can thrive
- 72% of Seattle professionals have been able to network with link minded professionals in the area
See the deck here.
Understanding where and why tech hubs thrive will allow professionals better navigate their careers by prioritizing what matters most to them. Different locations provide different access to opportunities and supporting resources.
Are you planning to move to a new city? Tell us on Blind!