Where are the best places for entry level IT positions. (best cities, low crime)

[sdsshawn]

Hello everyone,

I was needing to get some advice on where are the best cities to get an entry level IT position. I only have an Associate degree in computer networking right now, and have no hands on experience, and no certifications. I stay in Loisiana, but this state is not high in technology and computer companies. I know that it is a must for me to relocate. But I would also like to find cities that are reasonably priced, and that has low crime rates possibly. Different mix of cultures, but laid back as well. I am not to much in the club and bar scene. Thanks.

[vader]

Where are the best places for entry level IT positions.


INDIA

[sdsshawn]

Are you meaning by Indiana, is that the only place, or can you think of more?

[dullnboring]

There's a sizable IT industry in the Raleigh-Durham area. It's pretty cheap for a major metro area, although getting more expensive, and in coming from a state like Louisiana with a generally low cost of living, may be a bit of an adjustment. Crime-wise, it depends on where you go, but that's the case in any metro area. There's good parts and bad parts; it's very neighborhood-specific. I would say however that the suburbs, where the majority of IT companies are, as a whole are very safe. The area is also a fairly diverse one. I don't know if I'd characterize the pace as laid-back, especially if you're coming from Louisiana, but for a sizable urban area, I personally think it's pretty laid back, or at least not as frenetic as cities of a similar size that I've seen.

[sdsshawn]

I appreciate the response. I noticed Raliegh on some of the web sites, such as Careerbuilder, and Monster. But I wasn't sure what the place was like, and the prices there. As far as being laid back, I would like to find an area, that was kind of quiet, but it is not a priority. Louisiana is a very wild state in my opinion, so I am use to the party setting. Thanks. Any other places?

[gardener34]

No - vader really meant India.

Actually many american companies are outsourcing their entry level IT positions overseas, or they are hiring H1B visa people here, to do the jobs.

Good luck in that IT field - remember to get as many certifications as possible as you will be competing in a global workplace. Get your 4-year degree.

[sdsshawn]

Yes, I would like to go back, but I went to an online college, and they were pretty expensive. And then I was also owing some money to sallie mae, for previous colleges before that. After getting some of this debt out of the way, I want to go back and get more certications, and get my bachelors. That is why I was looking into what places to go for now. I was looking to get out of Louisiana too, because there is not much going on here. And looking for a change of pace. I would like to stay in the states though, overseas, will be a last resort. Any other places in the US, that you can think of?

[gardener34]

Silicon Valley in CA is a choice - albeit an expensive one. I don't know anyone who is moving TO california these days.

[sdsshawn]

Definetely, not California, way too expensive for me. I was also thinking of Texas, but I know that it will be very competitive there. And also perhaps Atlanta. Thanks for your input though.

[Spade]

Dallas, the neighbor to your left, is one of the top leading cities in the IT industry. If you want a smaller metro area, try Austin. The cost of living is a bit higher in Austin, though. But you will find a good IT job in Dallas.