I'm contemplating quitting full-time and moving from SF to Pittsburgh (where I'm originally from).<p>Reasons to move are mostly family related, but the move would also make sense financially.<p>What are the benefits of staying in SF if I'm starting a company and what is the startup atmosphere like in Pittsburgh (if anyone knows)?<p>Obvious answers (networking, etc.) are fine :)<p>Thanks!
Hey, I live in Pittsburgh. There are a couple of us here on news.yc. The startup atmosphere is not very much. The investors consist of an angel group, Innovation Works, and private angels (which I just hear about, I've never actually seen one). If you manage to raise money, or can self finance, there are good programmers available at much lower rates than in SF.<p>Innovation Works is running an incubator this summer. The application is due today, if you want to get one in quickly.<p><a href="http://www.iwalphalab.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.iwalphalab.org/</a>
If funding is a path that you'll be taking, I think anywhere for SV is pretty close to a dead zone. So, unless it's a part-time "hobby startup", build something that has a baked-in business model (i.e. something that people will BUY). That will allow you to bootstrap somewhat effectively.
<a href="http://paulgraham.com/startuphubs.html" rel="nofollow">http://paulgraham.com/startuphubs.html</a><p>He talks about the advantages of being in SV compared to anywhere else. If you haven't read it already, it's good.
Thanks to all for your comments!<p>I'll check out PG's article, but in all seriousness, I'm dead tired of SV. I don't think it's for me and it's definitely not a necessity for all web startups.<p>Leaving SF is a whole another story though. I'm in love with the city. I lived for 8 years in Pittsburgh and know it doesn't offer everything this city does.