Affordable Alternative Cities to San Francisco Outside of California for Tech Workers
For tech workers looking to relocate beyond California's famously expensive tech hub, there are several places that offer a balance of affordability, fast-growing job markets, and high quality of life. Continue reading to explore these affordable alternative cities to San Francisco and discover where your next adventure might take you.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, the capital of the Pacific Northwest, is one of the most attractive alternative cities to San Francisco due to its thriving tech industry. Known for startups like Amazon, Seattle's tech scene is growing rapidly. While it still retains a higher cost of living than many other cities, it remains more affordable than the Bay Area. The median home price in Seattle is around $750,000, making it a very reasonable option for tech workers seeking a cost-effective living environment.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is often called the 'Rose City' not only for its vibrant annual flower festival but also for its lush greenery and diverse communities. This city is a hub for creative and innovative industries, combining a robust tech sector with arts and culture. Portland’s median home price is around $550,000, a significant drop from the Bay Area market. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, cycling, and beach visits, Portland offers a healthy work-life balance.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, with its ambitious tech and aerospace industries, is a rapidly growing city that maintains a lower cost of living compared to the Bay Area. Median home prices in Denver range between $400,000 to $500,000, making it an attractive option for tech workers. The city's proximity to nature, including the Rocky Mountains and nearby parks, provides excellent outdoor activities.
Austin, Texas
Austin, the capital of Texas, has emerged as a hotbed for startups and tech growth. Although this city had been more expensive, its median home price is now around $500,000, making it a highly affordable alternative to the Bay Area. It offers a vibrant music and live-work scene, with many tech companies setting up shop here. Enjoying a mild, sunny climate, Austin is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for outdoor adventures and events like South by Southwest (SXSW).
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Nestled in the Research Triangle area, Raleigh-Durham boasts a thriving tech job market and relatively low housing costs. With median home prices around $350,000, it presents a formidable option for tech professionals looking to relocate. The area is home to numerous high-tech companies and institutions, such as universities, laboratories, and medical centers, providing ample job opportunities.
Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho
If you're willing to consider cities with a bit of cold weather, Salt Lake City and Boise offer growing tech scenes with low housing costs. With median home prices around $300,000 to $400,000, these cities provide a laid-back and affordable living experience. Both cities feature stunning natural landscapes, including ski resorts and hot springs, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring Other Cities
While cities like Detroit with abandoned houses for as little as $2,800 can be an extraordinary opportunity, the decision to relocate for tech jobs often depends on personal preferences and job security. If you have a specific job, look at Zillow to find cities with housing options well under your desired budget. Remember, while San Francisco has a particularly mild climate, other regions experience harsh winters and humid summers, so be prepared for those conditions if you live elsewhere.
Resident’s real-life experiences, such as those of a friend who moved from the Bay Area to Wisconsin, showcase the benefits of moving to more affordable areas. Housing costs can vary more than you expect, especially when cities offer housing at a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.