Can Austin Compare to Silicon Valley?

Perhaps we sound only like Austin cheerleaders sometimes, but I do like to always include the other side of the story. I often say “second to Silicon Valley, Austin is THE place to be for IT…” The reality, though, is that we’re probably still a pretty distant number two. We do offer lots of advantages (like favorable business environment, tax breaks, cheaper housing, etc), but the premier IT talent of the world is still, I have to admit, in the Silicon Valley area. I will also admit that during the summer months I’d rather be near cool coastal breezes and gorgeous towering redwoods, than in sweltering burnt-over Central Texas. ?

That being said, many of the California transplants have changed their opinions about their move to Austin. Read more about that here.