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!!
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).