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Duolingo To Silicon Valley Workers: Move To Pittsburgh, Where You Can Actually Afford a Home (venturebeat.com)
As the cost of living continues to rise in Silicon Valley, tech companies in other parts of the country are getting more aggressive in pitching workers to move to their cities for a better quality of life. From a report: This week, the language-learning platform Duolingo put up an ad along San Francisco's US Highway 101, encouraging residents to move to Pittsburgh where the company's headquarters are based. In Pittsburgh, you can both "work in tech" and "own a home," the ad touted. Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn told VentureBeat in an email that the company was prompted to put up the ad after realizing that most of its Pittsburgh employees who relocated to the city cited the low cost of housing as one of the deciding factors.
Von Ahn said that 85 percent of the company's Pittsburgh-based employees moved to the city from somewhere else. The company has 110 employees, the majority of whom work out of Pittsburgh. "One [employee] who recently joined Duolingo moved from the Bay Area and ended up buying a house almost immediately," von Ahn said. "He said he never would have been able to do that before, but here in Pittsburgh, he found a reasonably priced home on a large plot of land and jumped on the opportunity to be a homeowner and have a huge yard for his dog."
Von Ahn said that 85 percent of the company's Pittsburgh-based employees moved to the city from somewhere else. The company has 110 employees, the majority of whom work out of Pittsburgh. "One [employee] who recently joined Duolingo moved from the Bay Area and ended up buying a house almost immediately," von Ahn said. "He said he never would have been able to do that before, but here in Pittsburgh, he found a reasonably priced home on a large plot of land and jumped on the opportunity to be a homeowner and have a huge yard for his dog."
Just keep that furnace well fed!
For 2017
91% of all criminal suspects in pitsburgh were black.
But on the upside 74% of the victims were black too.
Covering relocation costs is something not-scumbag companies do when they want to move to somewhere more affordable.
In my old city there were tons of posts for jobs. It turns out it was the same 3 recruiters posting the same jobs over and over again. There were actually very, very few tech jobs. Meanwhile I left behind several friends who bought houses and got stuck in really shitty dead end jobs when they found out how bad the job market really is. Meanwhile I left behind several friends who bought houses and got stuck in really shitty dead end jobs when they found out how bad the job market really is. They're trapped. Upside down on a house as the job market got worse and/or not making enough money to save for the move.
I got lucky. I was born there but left for a job I happened to land by a combination of skill and dumb luck. Thing is, I've got a kid in college. As long as I'm willing to live like crap in a big city then the high pay lets me pay for her school. Had I not landed the job I have now I'd still be trapped and she'd be going to a shitty community college and on her way to a crap career.
So unless Pittsburgh has the jobs for real then techies had best steer clear. And it's damn hard to tell. Maybe fly out there and try meeting with people at the local computer club.
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There are plenty of smart people already here, Duolingo. We don't need more jagoffs from the Bay Area; the managers from Amazon HQ are already enough of a pain in the butt to work with.
What does CA have that no other part of the USA has? What keeps the SJW brands management paying so much just to stay in CA?
Many parts of the US have very low cost power, great internet, nice homes in good parts of a city.
Housing and site expansion are lower cost.
Other states have wealthy cities with good education, are safe, clean and have nice weather all year.
Populations that are ready for work. States without a need for CA level tax rates. No need for your brand to help pay CA tax rates to cover massive illegal immigrant support costs.
State and city governments all over the USA would offer amazing tax deals to get your brand into their states.
Other states university systems often still graduate on merit. Imagine getting support staff who graduated having the real skills they say they do.
Is the very fact that parts of CA are so expensive the reason why the SJW brands like CA?
The staff have fooled the shareholders and owners into paying for decades of their CA lifestyles?
Why don't shareholders do the math to show their brand could make more money and pass back larger profits in many other better US states?
Find out who is keeping your brand in CA and paying so much tax.
Move to another state and start enjoying your brands wealth again.
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Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
your neighbors are less likely to be purple-haired weirdos who sexually identify as their own house.
There is an important point here. What good is a six figure income, if you have a six figure cost of living?
;)
Heck, I have been a self employed contract computer programmer for the last 30+ years, I only go to my office 2 miles from my house 2-3 times a month. I work remote on most everything from my home office with 1-2 local on sites a month with my local clients. I didn't even drive my car the last 2 weeks of Feb 2018.
The illusion that for IT you need to be in one of the high cost urban centers is untrue. Think for yourself, think outside the box.
Just my 2 cents
I feel like home ownership is a major life goal. It's certainly in the best interests of the people at the top as you are enslaved to a 15 or 30 year mortgage and can be counted on to pay into the many avenues of maintenance that comes with home ownership: not only house maintenance, but community maintenance in the form of taxes and bonds.
I am still flabbergasted by the number of companies who post positions for developers with "NO REMOTE WORK". In this day and age, a company whose main front-facing presence is a web or mobile app has absolutely -no- excuse to demand in-office presence, given the huge economic gradient presented by some urban centers. If they really want the best talent, drop the requirement for relocation, damn it!
For example there was an article recently in the news about how Vancouver tech companies couldn't find enough workers to fill their positions; they admitted workers were hesitant to move into the area due to housing costs. Well duh, then don't require your workforce to live in one of the most expensive areas in Canada!
Management that demands in-office developers is either out of touch with modern collaboration/tracking tools, or just plain does not trust their workers. I wouldn't want to work for a company with either of those flaws.
People with a six-figure salary complaining about silicon valley living costs would have an easier time of it if they didn't have children.
This kind of phenomenon is only the beginning. The cost of having children is going up, and it will continue to do so until the population reaches an equilibrium. It has to happen sometime.
That's not really a bad thing, though.
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson
California has a large technology industry despite 30 years of dysfunctional government policy which has led to, among other things, a severe housing shortage and some of the most unaffordable housing in the entire United States. Most of the tech jobs in California are located along the southern coastal areas and around San Francisco and Silicon Valley where you basically cannot touch a house for less than 600K and realistically, to have a chance at closing, you're looking at more like 700K to 1 Million. In San Francisco and the surrounding areas prices of 3 Million and up are not unheard of and these are not necessarily quality housing units. Some of them are actually run down dumps, especially in the Silicon Valley area, but the supply is so constrained that they can basically do nothing, let the house go, and still enjoy price appreciation. These high prices are mostly the result of California not building enough housing from 1978, when Proposition 13 went into effect, and continuing to the present day because of stupid environmental rules, highly restrictive zoning and wealthy liberal NIMBYs of the "screw you, I've got mine" variety who take advantage of them to sabotage new development so that their homes are worth even more.
So pay attention and take heed. If your company is recruiting or your city or state wants to attract more tech workers then do more to showcase the high quality of life at affordable prices in your area. If you can convince more young people to do startups in your area then it should be possible to poach talent from California and other high cost areas that are badly governed. New York is trying to do this with an advertising campaign right now, but honestly they suffer from many of the high cost and high tax problems that we see out here in California. There are plenty of bright young tech workers in California earning $150K/year and living in run down rentals who will never be able to afford to buy a house in California. If you want to attract them to your state instead and turbo charge your economy then work the housing pain point, it's California's weak spot. California has grown lazy and complacent, taking the tech industry for granted. It shouldn't take much for other cities and states, hungrier for jobs and growth, to advertise a better way.
Judging from the comments so far, I don't think Duolingo is going to have many takers. However, I lived in Pittsburgh for almost 20 years before I moved back to Ca, so I would like to give it my endorsement. We bought a 5 bedroom house in a good school district for $255k. There's a lot to do in the city. It has museums, professional sports teams, good restaurants, etc... Life is less stressful; people are friendly. It's a family-oriented city, and Pittsburgh is often voted "most livable" city in the U.S. by various magazines. Now, the weather is not great, but it also doesn't get a lot of snow in the winter. Certainly it is nothing like what people imagine if they are still thinking steel mills - those all closed 30-40 years ago. The air is clean and the countryside is beautiful. Now, the big players are health care, research, and universities.
They are one of the "preinstall AppX Packages" that Windows 10 comes with. Pandora, Bing News, Eclipse, I hate them all.
If your employer is profiting billions per year and you can't afford a home, then you are underpaid.
Yeah, especially when considering the inflation adjusting income falling since the 1960s and the economy not recovering from the dot-com crash when prices are inflation adjusted, it is better to be at a place with a lower cost of living, in an attempt to achieve a better quality of life (closer to what was achieved in the past, more easily).
Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
Son, it's the Lone Star State , where everything is bigger, and badder
I am especially baffled when new companies start up in Silicon Valley or New York or LA or any insanely high priced area. Or how tech companies love to use H-1B visas to import works when they could setup up locations in lower cost of living areas with a glut of labor. And then off-shoring, why not off-shore inside the USA, then at least you're separated by at most 3 time zones instead of 12.
regressive leftists, communists, islamofascists, nazi type socialists, or other failed globalist ideologues.
An engineer must register and be granted a license to work. Then when you actually do work, you are criminally liable for any defects that cause harm.
Does your little coding McJob have any such caveats? No? Then you are not an engineer.
You mention supposed "open mindedness." Would some one who isn't black or gay welcome? Or does open mindedness have limits?
Engineers are required to be licensed and are criminally liable for defective work that harms. Are you under such requirements?
If no, you are NOT an engineer.
At some point in the near future, this problem will work itself out. Housing prices within reasonable commuting distance to the major tech hubs in CA are already at ludicrous levels.
Companies are having to pay astronomical salaries to their employees just so their workforce can afford to live nearby. Even then, home ownership is laughable.
They will, eventually, wise up and move their operations to a lower cost of living area and save gobs of cash from salaries alone. It would be stupid not too and I'm surprised shareholders haven't demanded it in their quest for ever increasing profits.
While you West Coast folks probably make 2x what I do, I OWN my home ( read that: Paid for ), both vehicles are paid for and that residual now feeds retirement accounts.
I can do far more with half the salary, so tell me again why I would want to live somewhere like SF ?
I was living in an average home on a postage-stamp sized lot. I work from home, so I moved onto a one-acre private treed lot.. In a place where I can get this 10 minutes away from a major city. You would not believe what it has done for my stress level, being able to walk out and see nature every day instead of my neighbors.
Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
You're glossing over the Pittsburgh Left Turn and the Pittsburgh Crapper.
Pittsburgh Left: First person in line at the stop light makes a left turn when the light turns green, cutting off opposing traffic instead of yielding as required by law, as Pittsburgh lacks left turn arrows at most stop lights.
Pittsburgh Crapper: A toilet and sink in an unfinished basement with no surrounding walls, installed because an unfinished rough-in was not allowed per plumbing code back when many houses were built. Super classy and extra fun at parties.
This author really think San Franciscans are going to move to Pittsburgh for a cheap home, when they can move to literally any city in the nation other than NYC for a "cheap" home? I think San Franciscans are far more likely to end up in San Diego or some other CA city than Pittsburgh.
...Chicago, or Austin, or Denver, or Salt Lake City / Provo.
I can honestly say that Pittsburgh is awesome. I didn't move here because of a job, I moved here because I visited for a furry convention and absolutely was enamored with the city.
I found a job nearly immediately with PNC in their headquarters as a TPM and pulling down more than I ever did. Seriously, if you move here, check them out. We're always hiring and there's an awesome atmosphere in the workplace.
Come to Pittsburgh! We welcome you. Just don't vote like a braindead Democrat.
It’s like New York except take 2 zeroes off the prices.
I live in Dallas, Texas.
The economy 10 miles north of me is booming.
It's creating a housing crunch region-wide.
A FEW WINNERS: Homeowners who can move away or "trade down," retirees and a small number of other homeowners with "frozen" tax appraisals, developers, landlords, and those with stable housing and the right skills looking for a bigger paycheck.
LOTS OF LOSERS: Renters, the homeless, and homeowners who can't move away or "trade down" who get hit with higher tax appraisals.
Texas has practically no rent control. Dallas and surrounding cities have long waiting lists for subsidized housing. Other than for the elderly, the disabled, and a few smaller groups, there is very luttle protection againt sudden increases in tax appraisals.
On the plus side, since appraisals aren't inflation-protected, long-time residents pay their fair share alongside new arrivals.
There is a quite well known book on the subject of region differences: "American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard.
For young people wishing to change locations I suggest a visit to local watering spots and rating the availability and attractiveness of potential sexual partners. (A far more entertaining pastime than looking at real estate). My experience suggests there are significant region differences in these qualities however, I've never been to Pittsburgh so I don't have an opinion.
Don't undervalue the importance of living somewhere beautiful.
Move to Australia where nothing attacks you. Or Canada were even the criminals are polite.
Cold as hell for half the year.
Damping absorbs vibrations. Dampening is caused by moisture.
Yeah, except it's not happening at all.
Denver has turned into another fucking disgusting, soul-less southern California suburb with mcmansions squished together with 2 meters of watered grass between them. You came for the "low cost of living" and then voted for every fucking imaginable tax increase and made it unaffordable.
The OP doesn't specify, but I'm pretty sure that it's Pittsburgh, CA (not PA) that the company is referring to. It's located up the back bay about halfway between SF and Stockton, is well out of Silicon Valley, but close enough to commute in if necessary. It's relatively affordable like other cities closer to the CA central valley which is why a lot of folks have opted to move there rather than pay the overblown prices commanded in the Bay Area proper.
If you were thinking this was referring to Pittsburg, PA then adjust your thinking accordingly...
Sure, go work for a "language learning" company in Pittsburgh... till the company gets acquired by another tech company and promptly terms everyone at the current location relocating the IP (intellectual property) back to Silicon Valley. Now your stuck in a location with a mortgage and next to zero tech job prospects.... then the blizzard starts...
A common theme predominates: Anywhere but Silicon Valley would be better, and there are quite a few cherries to choose. KC, Nashville, Tampa, Pittsburgh...
I lived in Phoenix, commuted to San Jose some. I now live in Nashville. Great weather, great people and vibe. NO State Income Tax! Cost of living is climbing, but should remain below California benchmark for the next century...
Come on down, but I warn you...you may have to meet and know your neighbors, and talk without going through your phone.
technical whipping boy, Occam's Strop (think about it...)
I've lived in Silicon Valley and my family lives in Pittsburgh. So I have a good basis to compare. As with everything, there are tradeoffs.
Plus side: affordable housing, somewhat better traffic (though still congested at rush hour and bottlenecks at bridges).
Down side: you have to live in Pittsburgh. Weather is crappy (hard winters, humid summers). Food not nearly as good quality or variety (though getting better). Corrupt state government. Decaying infrastructure (potholes everywhere, bridges way past their shelf life). Not nearly as many getaway options nearby (what, are you going to West Virginia for the weekend?). And the people are, shall we say, less than enlightened on social issues (be prepared for LOTS of trump supporters. pot legalization is a fantasy). Airport is "international" only in the sense they occasionally fly to Toronto. Be prepared to pay a lot more and make a connecting flight to go overseas. Or even west of Chicago.
In short: you get what you pay for. Pittsburgh is cheaper for a reason. If you just want a big house and don't care about other stuff, go for it. Me, I'll take Bay Area every time. No contest.
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on lunch.
1) very cold there (I spent many years back east so I know it well)
2) highly red state (against my world viewpoints; people around me would not be as open and accepting to very liberal views. again, a VERY red state, pennsy is, especially as you move away from the philly area.
3) what good is owning a home if there is just one tech company nearby? sounds worse than bay area and much riskier, too.
in short, no. thanks but no thanks. I'll continue to rent (maybe never own a home) but at least I have many companies nearby to choose from, great weather and great local food.
plus, very liberal area. just can't see myself EVER living in a red state. I'd hate it.
--
"It is now safe to switch off your computer."
The Color of Crime, 2016 Revised Edition
Quote: "In 2013, a black was six times more likely than a non-black to commit murder, and 12 times more likely to murder someone of another race than to be murdered by someone of another race."
Another quote: "If New York City were all white, the murder rate would drop by 91 percent, the robbery rate by 81 percent, and the shootings rate by 97 percent."
Do black Americans commit more crime?
Quote: "Blacks were disproportionately likely to commit homicide and to be the victims. In 2008 the offending rate for blacks was seven times higher than for whites and the victimization rate was six times higher."
However, that web site is a TV station in Belfast Ireland.
There Are No Successful Black Nations.
The author of that article, Chigozie Obioma, is a black Nigerian.
Detroit bullet proof glass
Average annual income Haiti
Health Information for Travelers to Haiti
I once lived in PGH for a job, the problem is the city is a run down mess. There are a few nice neighborhoods but they are surrounded by blight. The surrounded areas are very run down as well.
Yes you can buy a house, but who wants to live there?
I was born in Pittsburgh, grew up in Bellevue, went to Pitt, and eventually moved to SF...
3 years ago, I moved from Pittsburgh to SF - after working in industry in Pittsburgh for a decade. The Bay Area is an employees market - there are jobs everywhere, and companies can't seem to hire fast enough. When you find your work to be stale, and you are no longer learning new things - there are new opportunities to move to in SF. I found some employers in Pittsburgh to be all too aware of the power dynamic that results from having fewer job open job listings...
Pittsburgh is great, but very different. If you would like to commit to an organization through retirement, it seems like a good fit. If you find yourself restless - you may feel trapped in Pittsburgh. The cost of living is much lower, but car ownership is almost mandated. The city has become more bicycle friendly, but most yinzers on their way to UPMC are still angry about the idea of sharing the road...
SF is becoming more techie / monoculture by the day, but seems to at least feign more social awareness. Pittsburgh is a heavily segregated city, that does a good job of ignoring its issues every time a "most livable city" list comes out.
Pittsburgh has a leg up (perhaps surprisingly) for home-grown arts and culture. The high cost of living in the bay has pushed most artists out of the city.
Please don't move to Robinson and say that you are from Pittsburgh.
I'll stop offering unsolicited input now...
While Pittsburgh might have cheap property it's definitely not some place I'd want to live. If you are liberty minded the place to move for tech is New Hampshire. There is a lot more interesting shit happening in New Hampshire thanks to the libertarian migration and you can get cheap property here, not pay an income tax, sales tax, and still potentially make six figures. We've got a lot of liberty-minded people moving from the hellish socialist silicon valley area amongst pretty much every part of the US and even as far away as Russia.
Please don't export your smugly arrogant, sophomoric, sociopathic, brogrammer culture to the rest of the country/world.
It is not welcome outside of Silicon Valley.
The Absolute State