Should I Relocate for a Tech Job to Vail or Steamboat Springs?
When considering a move for a tech job, the decision can be quite complex, especially if the prospect of working remotely comes into play. Cities like Vail and Steamboat Springs, while breathtaking, might not be the most practical options for tech professionals, given their limited tech industry and high cost of living.
Remote Work and Internet Access
If you are planning to work remotely, having reliable internet access is crucial. While Vail and Steamboat Springs offer stunning natural landscapes and excellent tourist amenities, they may not provide the best internet infrastructure for full-time remote work. Dial-up or satellite connections are not ideal for demanding tasks, making these locations less attractive for tech professionals whose jobs require a high-speed, stable internet connection.
Work Location and Travel Time
For both Vail and Steamboat Springs, the tech industry presence is minimal, and you would likely need to travel to a nearby city for work, which can be quite time-consuming. For example, if you were considering moving from Steamboat Springs to Fort Collins, you're looking at a one-way travel time of about 4 hours, more than doubling if you have to make the trip twice a week.
These commute times are significant, given that employers are increasingly aware that remote work is a perk, not a deal-breaker. The top three issues to tech employees, according to recent surveys, are salary, work-life balance, and career growth. Commute times that significantly impact work-life balance could be a deal-breaker for many tech professionals.
Economic Considerations
Another factor to consider is the substantial difference in cost of living between these locations and other more affordable areas. In Vail, the average home price is over $1.3 million, making the typical monthly mortgage payment around $6,000. This is significantly higher than the cost of living in states like South Dakota or Arkansas, where the average home cost is mere thousands of dollars, providing a monthly mortgage payment of just a few hundred dollars.
For example, let's compare Vail to South Dakota, where an average home costs around $198,000, or in Arkansas, where it's approximately $200,000. In either of these states, a homebuyer can enjoy a substantially lower monthly mortgage payment. These savings could go a long way in terms of quality of life, as they allow for more travel, better living conditions, or additional recreational activities without breaking the bank.
Consolidating and Opportunities
Considering travel to a more tech-friendly city nearby allows you to enjoy the benefits of a desired location without the financial strain. Whether you live in Vail or choose a more affordable location and travel to a nearby tech hub, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. For instance, if you choose to live in Minnesota (a state with over 40 ski resorts), you could save significantly on your housing costs while still having reasonable travel times to major tech hubs.
Ultimately, the decision to relocate for a tech job should consider both the immediate work environment and long-term financial implications. If the desire for a remote job with a high-quality living environment is a priority, weighing the benefits against the costs could reveal a more cost-effective and practical option. Since the tech industry doesn't flourish in Vail or Steamboat Springs, the option to live somewhere more affordable and travel for work might be more advantageous for most tech professionals.