So should I move West too?

Yes

t /kneejerk reaction ignoring actual knowledge of job market and any other situational details

As far as places to live -- renting is good. I'm in Fremont, the south end of the East Bay. Last stop on Bart ( 45 min to SF on Bart) What makes it a good choice - San francisco or San Jose are ok for working. it makes job searching for Matt more flexible. However, it isn't always easy to get to SF on a week night -- It takes just long enough that time is a factor. Life style is more suburban than urban . We do have a brew pub . And a number of good restaurants and a huge variety of cusine.

Job situation for the tech world: right now , there are jobs. And most people will find something. However, there is a lot of overly picky, perfect matches only sort of attitude. So it isn't an easy search. Other jobs can be even harder.

Oakland isn't a bad choice. I'd just expect a job change to happen at some point when you start thinking about a permanent place to live.

I live in Oakland! But I may only be here for another year or so, and then I might trade places with you, Nora! Anyway, I love Oakland. I live in the Southern Eastern most part of it, though, mainly for commuting reasons (I live in the suburbs of Oakland). There are some fantastic restaurants, too!

Oooohhh!! House Swap!!

javachick moves into Tom and Nora's house and Tom and Nora move into the house that java's renting!!

And then we'll film it and make MILLIONS!!

Job situation for the tech world: right now , there are jobs. And most people will find something. However, there is a lot of overly picky, perfect matches only sort of attitude. So it isn't an easy search. Other jobs can be even harder.

It's the same here, too.

Java, I would LOVE to switch with you! Our house is pretty awesome. Also, has a yard! Heh.

P-C, I'll definitely take you up on the offer- we are just waiting for some financial hooly-hoo to work itself out (hopefully by the end of the year, making it perhaps a Spring 2010 move, if all goes accordingly. In the meantime, the plan is to purge as much crap out of our house/lives as possible.

I found the bridesmaid dress.

Is anyone discussing the BBC show "Occupation"?

I love Rockridge, Nora (although I was in Berkeley). It would be an easy commute to the UCB campus, but be forewarned that there is a hiring freeze there now because of the budget situation.

yeah, I'm thinking private schools at this point. Our business School is a peer of Hass at Stanford, so I am wondering if it would be possibly to work something out through the grapevine here.

also, heh, Ridgerock, Rockridge- I didn't even realize what I'd done for a while. I knew I *mean* Rockridge.

javachik, awesome article! I really am leaning toward Oakland at this point. It just sounds like a cool, diverse, up and coming, cheaper area. Like Somerville 15-20 years ago (but with more black people).

P-C, I'll definitely take you up on the offer

Cool! I can go and take pictures of stuff and break into houses or whatever.