As you point out, there's a lot of options; you've only really even scratched the surface. Some guidance on your interests (both professional and recreational/social), skills, and desires would be helpful.
I sometimes wonder, do people think that the rule is that you have to post an Ask HN, then you're not allowed to interact? Go ahead, interact!
For that matter, if you've got a similar question but you're not the OP, post your own answers to my questions and see what develops.
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).
SLC is 45 minutes away from some of the best ski resorts on the planet: Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley, Park City... If you like skiing, it counts as outdoors!!
It's also possible that there wasn't much to respond to. People are just listing recommendations; I think yours was the only comment I'd read so far that really warranted a follow-up.
I sometimes wonder, do people think that the rule is that you have to post an Ask HN, then you're not allowed to interact? Go ahead, interact!
For that matter, if you've got a similar question but you're not the OP, post your own answers to my questions and see what develops.