For the following article, we have surveyed the best tech hubs based on factors including salary, population growth, racial diversity, number of tech professionals employed, and more. Read on for our list of the best hubs for tech professionals in the country and what they can offer you.
Finding and rating tech hubs
If you are looking to advance your technology career, relocating to a city with a healthy tech scene can help you succeed more easily. However, what makes a city a great tech hub? In curating the following list, we drew upon a variety of factors that make a city a great destination for tech professionals, including: Demographics:
Population growthRacial diversityEducational achievementsDiversity and inclusiveness in beliefs
Technology:
Internet speeds, 4G and 5G coverage
Competitive spirit:
Number of start-upsNumber of Fortune 500 companies
Best growth potential:
Highest salariesGreat number of open positions
Best place to live:
Available housingLocal amenitiesWalkabilityCultural landmarks and nightlifeNature and outdoor recreation
Atlanta, GA
Tech highlights:
A variety of pioneering schools nearby, such as Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and MorehouseInclusive to tech professionals of color
Urban features:
Andersonville National Historic SiteThe Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic SiteWalkability score: 82
Major players:
ConvoyMailchimpCricket WirelessGlobal Payments
Caveats:
High economic disparity between white and Black peopleLack of outdoor recreation optionsIntense summer heat and humidity
Austin, TX
Tech highlights:
No state income taxTech jobs in Austin generate $37.9 billion in economic impactReputation as a liberal, innovative hub of culture
Urban features:
A comparatively low cost-of-livingA thriving live music scene, including the SXSW music festSXSW Film Festival and Austin School of Film
Major players:
PayPalBumbleMicrosoftForcepoint
Caveats:
One of the most gentrified cities in the countryExtremely hot throughout the summerSingle-family homes have become unaffordable for many
Baltimore, MD
Tech highlights:
Reputation for clean energy tech innovationCentrally located relative to other major East Coast tech hubsHealthy job market
Urban features:
Rich history to explore, including a monument to Francis Scott KeyThe Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art MuseumWalkability score: 64
Major players:
SYSCOMPrometricMetastormZentech Manufacturing
Caveats:
Some of the country’s highest homicide and violent crime ratesMaryland is a Blue Law stateTropical storm and hurricane risk yearly
Boston, MA
Tech highlights:
Major hub for full stack development, machine learning, and artificial intelligence researchHigh pay for tech professionalsMajor financial hub
Urban features:
One of the best cities for postsecondary educational institutesHistoric sites include Fenway Park, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, and MIT MuseumWalkability score: 98
Major players:
AudibleCurriculum AssociatesLiberty Mutual InsuranceCambridge Semantics
Caveats:
Prickly and aggressive social cultureSmall living spacesDifficult rental market and one of the highest COL in the country
Burlington, VT
Tech highlights:
Close to the University of VermontLow unemploymentHome to a number of up-and-coming entrepreneurial firms
Urban features:
Vermont’s largest cityLow crime rateClose to a number of top spots for skiing
Major players:
DynapowerBeta TechnologiesBenchmark Space SystemsData Innovations
Caveats:
Low population density and somewhat isolatedLow racial diversityHeavy snowfall in the winter and “mud season” in the spring
Charlotte, NC
Tech highlights:
Competitive grant and incentive programs in NC for tech companiesMajor financial and fintech company hubTech jobs in Charlotte employ around 99,705 people
Urban features:
Affordable COLOne of the best cities in the nation for fine diningHigh quality of life
Major players:
Bank of AmericaCredit KarmaPassportLendingTreeAvidXchange
Caveats:
High risk of hurricanes and flooding in the summerLow diversity/mostly whiteRelatively quiet nightlife, with most businesses closing early
Chicago, IL
Tech highlights:
The nation’s second major financial hub after New York CityLower COL than NYC or the Bay AreaHome to innovative schools such as University of Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology
Urban features:
One of the best jazz scenes in AmericaAmerican architectural landmarks such as the John Hancock building and Marina CityWalkability score: 77
Major players:
SalesforceLinkedInAvantClearcoverM1 Finance
Caveats:
Some of the highest taxes in the nationGun violence issues in many parts of the cityPoor air and water pollution issues
Cleveland, OH
Tech highlights:
OhioX, a nonprofit dedicated to technology innovation, has offices in ClevelandInclusive to tech professionals of colorMajor hub for healthcare, banking, and insurance
Urban features:
Home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of ArtCleveland ParklandsWalkability score: 57
Major players:
InfoSysMedPilotOnShiftBravo WellnessDakota Software
Caveats:
Roads frequently under constructionCold winds from Lake Eerie affect the weatherHigh cost of entertainment and fine dining
Columbus, OH
Tech highlights:
Tech jobs in Columbus come largely from the city’s booming startup ecosystemTop-ranked city for entrepreneursEconomy largely based on education, technology, and government
Urban features:
Home to Ohio State University, one of the nation’s largest universitiesColumbus Zoo is one of the nation’s most respected zoosColumbus’s most walkable neighborhoods are in Short North, Italian Village, and German Village
Major players:
JP Morgan ChaseiZotopeCirculo HealthFinite StateT-CETERA
Caveats:
High radon levels throughout the cityHigh property taxesVery few fine dining options within the cityCloudy weather throughout the year
Dallas-Ft. Worth
Tech highlights:
Dallas-Ft. Worth is home to one of JP Morgan Chase’s technology centers373,965 tech professionals work in DallasThe Dallas economy is dominated by telecommunications, information technology, and financial services
Urban features:
Numerous world-renowned museums, including the African American Museum and Dallas Museum of ArtMany options for outdoor recreation, including trails near the San Antonio RiverDallas’s most walkable neighborhoods are in Downtown, Henderson and Oak Lawn
Major players:
Texas InstrumentsJP Morgan ChaseOmnitracksDataBankAllegro Development
Caveats:
Sports-oriented cultureHuge disparity in wealth and living conditions, especially at racial linesConfusing layout, making it easy to get lost
Denver, CO
Tech highlights:
Low taxes and low COLDenver startups raised $401 million in 2015Reputation for innovation in green technology
Urban features:
Diverse outdoor activities in the surrounding areas, passionate outdoor cultureHigher-than-average income in the Denver/Boulder areaWalkability score: 61
Major players:
Dish NetworkArrow ElectronicsGatesVendavoFour Winds Interactive
Caveats:
At a high altitude, which can be difficult for people with health problemsInfrastructure struggling to keep up with rising populationRelatively scant urban culture outside of outdoor activities in the mountains
Detroit, MI
Tech highlights: Urban features:
The Fort Wayne exhibit highlights Detroit historyThe city has in recent years begun revitalizing its economy, with many companies making the move to DetroitWalkability score: 51
Major players:
Smiths GroupOnStarStockXDetroit LabsCadillac
Caveats:
Some of the nation’s highest crime rates, especially for violent, drug-related, and property crimeLack of grocery stores throughout the cityLow property values that continue to dropHuge gaps in wealth disparity, particularly between white and Black residents
Houston, TX
Tech highlights:
In recent years, many Californians have relocated to Houston, bringing with them IT companies and startupsTech jobs in Houston employ 243,900 workersOil industry giants now turning to the tech industry for clean energy solutions
Urban features:
The country’s fourth-largest cityCultural landmarks include Rothko Chapel and the Johnson Space CenterHouston’s most walkable neighborhoods include Neartown-Montrose, Midtown, and Downtown
Major players:
WiProBMC SoftwareKBR IncSnapStreamFlightAware
Caveats:
Storm threats, such as hurricanes and floodsHigh sales taxCar-centric culture/lack of public transportation and walkabilityLots of mosquitos and ticks
Indianapolis, IN
Tech highlights:
Indianapolis’s COL is 8% below the national averageThe city’s tech sector makes an economic impact of $9.3 billionUniversity of Notre Dame and Purdue University have strong technology programs
Urban features:
Urban highlights include the Indianapolis 500 and the world’s largest children’s museumThe Art & Soul music festival has highlighted Black musicfor almost 30 yearsIndianapolis’s most walkable neighborhoods are in Downtown, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple
Major players:
Franklin ElectricGreenlight Guruhc1ZyloBloomerang
Caveats:
Lack of cultural diversity; the population is mostly whiteIndiana is a Blue Law state with unusual alcohol legislationStrong conservative bent and religious culture with Christian norms and expectations
Los Angeles, CA
Tech highlights:
Tech scene employs 512,500 workersEconomic impact of LA tech scene is $94.6 billion annuallyOne of the most diverse economies of all major U.S. cities
Urban features:
Second largest city in the U.S.Local tech scene accepting of minorities and LGBTQ+ tech professionalsWalkability score: 69
Major players:
Snap Inc.Disney InteractiveYoutubeStackCommerceGumGum
Caveats:
Extraordinarily long commute times due to difficult trafficHighly competitive culture and high level of stressPotential earthquake threat along the San Andreas fault lineLots of urban sprawl — over 500 square miles
Miami, FL
Tech highlights:
Low taxes and relaxed business regulationsIn recent years, many Californians have relocated to Miami, bringing with them startups and ties to tech giantsMajor Eastern seaboard financial hub
Urban features:
One of the largest populations of Cuban Americans in the U.S.Beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlifeWalkability score: 77
Major players:
Citrix SystemsThe Hackett GroupUltimate SoftwareAppleMagicLeap
Caveats:
Tropical storm threats and exceptionally humid weather in the summerOne of the country’s highest COLVery few historical features or monumentsLots of insects, along with alligators and introduced pythons
Minneapolis, MN
Tech highlights:
Local tech scene employs 195,730 peopleMajor corporate hub for the Midwest — headquarters for 3M, Target, and other giantsReputation for commitment to green energy
Urban features:
HIghly-educated, mostly liberal populacePopular bike share program usable citywideWalkability score: 71
Major players:
InfosysWiproUnitedHealth GroupZipnosisCeridian
Caveats:
Cultural reserve and indirect communication from locals makes it harder to form friendshipsHigh sales, property, and income taxes, along with a unique meal taxFlat terrain limits outdoor activities somewhat
Nashville, TN
Tech highlights:
Local tech scene employs 65,283 peopleLow unemployment and strong economic growth, partly due to tech companies’ investment in the city during the pandemic
Urban features:
Considered one of the birthplaces of modern country music home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum The most walkable Nashville neighborhoods are East End, Downtown, and Cameron Trimble
Major players:
EmmaAsurionCloudvueIngram Content GroupCM Group
Caveats:
Difficult for people living with seasonal allergiesStrong culture of Christian religious values and social expectationsThe tourism industry can create stress for someMostly conservative culture
New York City, NY
Tech highlights: Urban features:
Largest city in the USOne of the most racially diverse cities in the US: 24% Black and 29% Hispanic/LatinoWalkability score: 88
Major players:
WeWork TechnologyGoogleInnovidBloomberg LPFactSet
Caveats:
High level of stressOvercrowdingOne of the highest COL in the country, and high rentsCulture of social aggressiveness and rudeness in some areas
Philadelphia, PA
Tech highlights:
The tech industry has an economic impact of $41.3 billion annuallyThe PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub initiativeStrong resources for entrepreneurs and close to NYC and Boston
Urban features:
Home to numerous Revolutionary War landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence HallRelatively low COL for a city its size, only 17% above the national averageWalkability score: 75
Major players:
CDIComcastInspiri-TecSiemens HealthineersSAP America
Caveats:
Air pollution and overcrowding problems from high population densityAdditional wage tax takes more from take-home pay for employees in the cityHigh rate of violent and property crime
Phoenix, AZ
Tech highlights: Urban features:
Beautiful landscape, with hikes in the South Mountain Range within city limitsPopulation is 42.6% Hispanic/LatinoPhoenix’s most walkable neighborhoods are Downtown, Garfield, and Eastlake Park
Major players: Caveats:
Urban sprawlHigh crime rate, particularly violent crimeHigh population of stray animals and dangerous wildlifeStruggling education system
Portland, OR
Tech highlights:
The cluster of tech companies within the Portland metro are known as Silicon ForestTech industry’s economic output is $24.8 billion annuallyPortland’s tech culture has a clean energy focus
Urban features:
Close to both the scenic Columbia River Gorge and the oceanHub for independent art and musicWalkability score: 67
Major players:
NikeRadarPlanar SystemsInFocusIntegrated Services
Caveats:
Comparative lack of racial diversityDifficult for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder due to overcast, rainy weatherMany homes and apartments lack built-in AC"Polite but reserved" culture
Salt Lake City, UT
Tech highlights:
The tech scene between Salt Lake City and Provo has been nicknamed Silicon SlopesTax incentives and low COL have drawn many tech companies to the areaTech scene has an economic impact of $11.0b annually
Urban features:
Utah contains natural wonders such as Wasatch National Forest and Zion National ParkWalkability score: 59
Major players:
AdobeArtemis HealthCapgeminiR-ZeroFilevine
Caveats:
Confusing street numbering systemHeavy snowfall in winterNumerous drinking laws and other religious restrictionsParticularly poor air quality, especially in winter
San Diego, CA
Tech highlights:
High-income area where the healthcare industry is dominantA short plane ride away from Silicon ValleyStartup San Diego is a nonprofit that advocates for tech entrepreneurship in the area
Urban features:
Beautiful Spanish and Mexican architecture, historical navy warships, and Cuyamaca State Park nearbyWalkability score: 53
Major players:
TeradataQualcommIlluminaBrain CorpClickUp
Caveats:
Airport is close to the city center, which creates noiseLack of public transportation/car-centric cultureLimited historic sitesLack of pro sports, aside from the Padres
Seattle, WA
Tech highlights: Urban features:
High number of college graduates and mostly liberal cultureWorld-class destination for seafoodWalkability score: 74
Major players: Caveats:
High rate of homelessnessCultural reserve/the “Seattle freeze” makes forming friendships difficultLack of traditional nightlifeCloudy/rainy weather much of the year
