What is Silicon Valley really like?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the atmosphere, opportunities, and living conditions in Silicon Valley, particularly for those considering moving there for work in engineering or startups. It touches on various aspects such as cost of living, job market dynamics, and the overall appeal of the area.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the high cost of living and traffic as significant disadvantages of Silicon Valley.
  • Others note that the job market is currently on an upswing, with a variety of opportunities available across different types of jobs.
  • One participant suggests that moving to Silicon Valley can be manageable for singles willing to live in an apartment initially, and that companies often cover relocation costs for new hires.
  • Concerns are raised about the aesthetic appeal of Silicon Valley, with some describing it as run down and in need of gentrification, while others mention that certain areas, like Palo Alto, are more attractive.
  • Participants discuss the proximity to natural attractions, noting that while the bay area offers beautiful locations, traffic can complicate access to these areas.
  • One participant emphasizes that Silicon Valley is primarily a business hub, lacking in lifestyle and cultural offerings compared to other parts of the bay area.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the attractiveness of Silicon Valley, with some agreeing on its business-centric nature and others highlighting the potential for enjoyable living conditions in surrounding areas. There is no consensus on the overall appeal of the region.

Contextual Notes

Participants' perspectives on living conditions and job opportunities are influenced by personal experiences and subjective assessments of the area, which may vary widely based on individual preferences and circumstances.

user101
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What is Silicon Valley really like? Obviously, many big name tech companies are there, but what's the atmosphere like? Is it like any other city (but more expensive)? Are there tons of opportunities there?

If I were to move there and work full time as an EE, would I also be able to participate in a startup company? Or is that something unheard of?
 
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The main disadvantages of Silicon Valley are the cost of living (especially housing), and the traffic. The job market varies in cycles, and right now is a bit on the upswing. There are lots of different opportunities, and a wide range of types of jobs available (lots of different kinds of products to work on).

If you're single and are okay with living in an apartment for a while (so no big money outlay for a house), then moving here is relatively easy. You would want to target a few companies here with work that you are interested in, and go through the interview process. If you're hired, the company should pay for your move.

You will need to build up some targeted work experience and successes at your work, before you will be able to interest a startup. But there are definitely a bunch of them around the Valley, with new startups popping up regularly. If you are good in your work, you will get calls from headhunters pretty regularly.
 
Tons of companies, tons of jobs, tons of opportunities. Silicon valley itself (the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, etc.) is kinda run down and ugly, though. It's mostly just miles and miles of subdevelopments with tiny, 1960's houses, office parks, strip malls, and boring, sterile "downtowns." Silicon valley is desperately in need of gentrification.

Luckily, the bay area is full of vibrant, beautiful places to live, and if you're willing to commute a bit, you can have a great job AND a beautiful home.

- Warren
 
Thanks for the replies!

Wow, run down and ugly? I figured it would be the opposite. I've always had these great views of SV before, guess they're not real. :/
 
user101 said:
Thanks for the replies!

Wow, run down and ugly? I figured it would be the opposite. I've always had these great views of SV before, guess they're not real. :/

Like Warren said, it depends on the area. Palo Alto is nice, for example. Some parts of San Jose can be downers, and some can be dangerous... Although San Jose has been rated the safest big city in the nation recently, I think.

Also, keep in mind that you are sitting right between the ocean and the Sierras and Yosemite and lots of other great places to play. The traffic in Si Valley makes getaways challenging sometimes, though, so you have to plan your getaway well.
 
Yep, the bay area is one of the best places I've ever lived, and I don't want to leave it. The bay area as a whole is composed of many different, unique areas, and there are a million things to do in and all around it. It just happens that Silicon Valley itself -- again, I'm referring specifically to the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, etc. -- is one of the least attractive places to live in the bay area. It's solely a center of business, not lifestyle or culture.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
It's solely a center of business, not lifestyle or culture.

- Warren

Ah ok - just mainly business then. Answered my question.

Thanks chroot and berkeman.
 

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