DataFox, a company that specializes in understanding areas of strategic interest and providing analytics, put together a list of the top secret cities for young tech grads just starting out.
A small tech scene can actually be better. Cities with a collaborative rather than cutthroat mentality provide opportunities to find mentors, grow new skills and build a durable network,” according to the company.
For its top metric--financial stability--DataFox used a data set of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis that measures affordability and then applied its own proprietary measure of a city’s tech sector using a database of more than 11,000 companies. The goal was to understand how far a dollar goes in each metro area analyzed, and then rate cities based on investor quality, revenue, liquidity and other factors affecting its tech sector.
Because student loan debt is high, coupled with the risk of working for a startup, the financial stability metric was given double weight. DataFox also considered mentorship opportunities, corporate name recognition and growth potential in arriving at its top 10 cities for tech grads. The cities are:
1. Reston, Va.
Tech companies in this city are growing and financially stable. The city is also much more affordable than nearby Washington, DC, and it scored highest in networking and growth opportunities.
2. Indianapolis, Ind.
The city has a low cost of living and high-quality business leadership. Startups have strong management and influence with initiatives like the Global Cities Exchange and Plan 2020. It’s also less congested than cities like New York or San Francisco.
3. Raleigh, N.C.
A fast-paced tech scene and name-brand biotechnology and engineering companies give the city influence and recognition.
4. Portland, Ore.
Portland offers new startup opportunities and established companies. The city offers quality of life and draws young professionals from around the country.
5. Nashville, Tenn.
With the Nashville Entrepreneurship Center accelerator and Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub, there are resources and connections, and enough mentorship and growth opportunities to go around. Its got a low cost of living and it’s a place where tech grads start new companies as well.
6. Ann Arbor, Mich.
Companies are stable with well-connected management teams. In this close-knit community, recent grads can leverage connections and launch successful careers.
7. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati has corporations and startups, which equates to strong investment and innovation. There are plenty of opportunities as well as accelerators and incubators that offer support and funding, something not as easy to find in larger tech hubs.
8. Las Vegas, Nev.
The city’s low cost of living and its under-the-radar status as a tech hub make it a draw. Its tech companies exhibit leadership quality and brand recognition.
9. Denver, Colo.
The city has stable, well-funded companies that also rank well in growth, management quality and recognition. New grads can rise quickly and learn a lot with many career opportunities.
10. Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis’ tech community offers close-knit support and a vast resource network. It is very affordable, and its startups are financially stable.
