How far is it from Silicon Valley to a really good trout stream? In Boise, it's a lot closer.
How about hiking in a wilderness area? Skiing?
Now, true, if you want high-quality Chinese food, Boise may not be your cup of tea (pun intended). But I bet there are enough tech people who like the outdoors more than the big city to make a small-ish tech hub in someplace like Boise.
California is great for outdoorsy stuff as well. Beach is right there, plenty of hiking areas around the Peninsula, skiing is available 4 hours away about 8 months per year and there are enough fresh water rivers.
This is an odd comment. Have you ever lived in the Bay Area? Because part of what non-tech people love about it is great hiking is almost always within half an hour's drive.
The climate doesn't support skiing or trout fishing, but outdoor activities are very big here. It's a significant part of why many people stay here rather than going to NYC or Boston.
How about hiking in a wilderness area? Skiing?
Now, true, if you want high-quality Chinese food, Boise may not be your cup of tea (pun intended). But I bet there are enough tech people who like the outdoors more than the big city to make a small-ish tech hub in someplace like Boise.