Ask HN: How does Austin compare to other tech hubs? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How does Austin compare to other tech hubs?

14 pointsTP4Cornholio7 comments

I am a developer in the Washington DC metro considering moving to Austin because the DC metro area tech seems to be many years behind the other tech hubs. I was if people had insights or stories they'd like to share about moving to Austin.

How do salaries compare?

Is it easy to get a job if you're an average engineer? (ie. not from Google, etc.)

What is the tech culture like at most companies? (Here most companies wear suits, etc?

Do most people work crazy hours?

Is the technology a few years behind SV?

Please share your thoughts

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A few things I've noticed as I've read about other peoples' experiences:

- Most startups are B2B, as opposed to those in Silicon Valley, of which the vast majority are B2C.

- Things move a bit slower - there's more planning, less hackety-hacking. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and doesn't mean that you'll be twiddling your thumbs.

- Cost of living is much, much lower, as you might imagine.

- Tech scene is smaller, but more tight-knit. There aren't a vast array of VCs and companies like in the valley, so chances are you'll bump into the same people over time, and be able to build more personal connections within your network, which is probably better than having a larger, more impersonal network.

- A lot of big companies have satellite offices around Austin, like Apple, Intel, IBM, etc. You aren't necessarily locked into working for an "Austin company", if you don't want to.

> - A lot of big companies have satellite offices around Austin, like Apple, Intel, IBM, etc. You aren't necessarily locked into working for an "Austin company", if you don't want to.

Sounds good to me! I just want to avoid anything government-contractor related after my experience in the DC metro.

Austin is modern technically but, small compared to other cities. I moved there in 2005 and moved away in 2010 because the tech companies in my niche went away and I could not even get an interview let alone a job.

I assume you moved to Houston since you were already so close.

Moved to SF Bay area. Houston is a bit too humid.

What is your niche?

Generally there are more job opportunities in Washington DC area. Salaries are also slightly higher there ~$110k/yearly vs ~$105k/yearly . You can do some comparison on the salary map: https://jobsquery.it/map

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