you aren't in Kansas anymore -- question on $$ & time (commute) (schools, Ivy League)

[sjh]

About 3k per month (house is paid for, cars are paid for). So I figure if the COL is 30% higher, then we're sitting about even.

[sjh]

I talked to a recruiter that was originally from there but now living in Texas, and she told me most transplants only make it for a couple of years out there, then leave once they've had enough of the high prices and traffic. She actually didn't have anything to gain from offering that advice... her company had already turned me down.

[silverkris]

I think given the incredibly high COL here, transplants are going to have to weigh the trade-off...if you're in tech, and if career advancement is very important, there may be (not always the case) more opportunities, long term by relocating to Silicon Valley. Only the individuals can decide what's important to them.

[Nell Plotts]

Were I in his position I would rent in the best school enrollment area that met my kids needs for the next 2-3 years. The opportunities for professional development and networking are huge and by that time they can decide whether or not to stay. Many SV employers have operations elsewhere so he may not need to even change employers.

Awful traffic? You should try Seattle's.

[SFBAguy]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

As the MIL of a 'Tino teacher let me take a bow!! Note that my daughter lived in the Freemont HS enrollment area and didn't have a concern.

Based on what little I know of the Cupertio vs Freemont high schools for a person from Kansas... the football game at Cupertino High is a venue for the band and barely have enough participants to field a team, while Freemont High takes football seriously. At Cupertino "Tiger" parents abound. Huge difference in the cultures.

I do not know if the RedFin (realtor site) has school test data and parent evaluations for the Bay area, but pick a home for sale in each district and look at the bottom of their page.

Originally Posted by silverkris

IMO I think the really hard-core, hypercompetitive parents/families are at Lynbrook and Monta Vista. 'Tino is actually a bit more balanced in terms of school culture than the other two schools. Fremont High of course has a different ethnic/socioeconomic demographic.

There was an article about the hypercompetive kids and parents at Lynbrook and Monta Vista High Schools and how some people were leaving those schools because of it by the Wall Street Journal a few years ago.

http://www.wsjclassroomedition.com/teen/teencenter/05nov_whiteflight.htm (broken link)

[Nell Plotts]

Cupertino District hired the Superintendent of Bainbridge Island Schools. 'Tino fired him after he made a public comment about the pressure parents put on the kids.

Now if the OP had an offer in down town Seattle Bainbridge Island Schools offer the best of all worlds: strong academics, great athletic programs, easy commute.

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by SFBAguy

There was an article about the hypercompetive kids and parents at Lynbrook and Monta Vista High Schools and how some people were leaving those schools because of it by the Wall Street Journal a few years ago.

http://www.wsjclassroomedition.com/teen/teencenter/05nov_whiteflight.htm

Oh, I remember that article - I do acknowledge the sort of high-pressure culture that exists at these schools, but I was bit disturbed at the racially-tinged comments made by some of these parents (I happen to be Asian-American).

[Nell Plotts]

Did anyone catch the interview of a tech recruiter on public radio today? Software Engineers appear to be in high demand, particularly in the Valley. There was an observation by the recruiter that caught my attention, I can't quote it exactly but it was to the effect of nice applicants don't get Zucked. That is a good reminder to get to know the corporate culture of a prospective employer.

[sjh]

It's a funny thing apparently, tech recruiting in the valley... On the one hand startups are encouraged to relocated there due to the talent pool, on the other hand companies complain about not having enough talent.

A few months ago I actually had an interview with a big-name co. in Seattle... I went through several rounds of interviews there too, but I was pretty clear I wasn't excited about Seattle, so nothing came of it. I hated to say that, as I've never even been there, but like I said above I like the outdoors, and I think the near constant rain would drive me mad in Seattle.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by sjh

It's a funny thing apparently, tech recruiting in the valley... On the one hand startups are encouraged to relocated there due to the talent pool, on the other hand companies complain about not having enough talent.

That's what you get when you outsource jobs, lay off thousands of workers at the same time just because everyone else is doing it, and work the ones who stay 60 hours a week. You reap what you sow.