Thanks for the consideration! Right now I'm mostly curious than actually planning on moving anytime soon, so I was asking for general recommendations. I'm in mobile development and I'm a single twenty-something male. I think generally any city with a mature enough software industry that has need for app developers would be acceptable. For the sort of "hacker environment", it's good if there are meetups/local dev scenes.
But in general, I think the criteria are:
1) Affordable cost of living
2) Access to variety of software jobs (big corporate vs. small startups both present)
3) Reasonable commute
4) Vibrant city life (nightlife, food/music/arts scene) OR easy access to outdoor activities
I think 2) and 4) are the reasons why most people flock to S.F. and stay, despite the lack of 1) and 3).
But in general, I think the criteria are:
1) Affordable cost of living 2) Access to variety of software jobs (big corporate vs. small startups both present) 3) Reasonable commute 4) Vibrant city life (nightlife, food/music/arts scene) OR easy access to outdoor activities
I think 2) and 4) are the reasons why most people flock to S.F. and stay, despite the lack of 1) and 3).