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After years of working in the tech industry in Silicon Valley, a growing number of tech execs are now choosing to live in this town instead. Here’s why.
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The allure of the town
There are plenty of reasons to love Palo Alto. The tech hub is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, and its location in the Bay Area means there’s always something to do. But for a growing number of tech execs, the appeal of Palo Alto is its growing distance from San Francisco.
In recent years, a number of high-profile tech execs have made headlines for ditching the Bay Area in favor of quieter, more rural towns. Mike McCue, the CEO of Flipboard, famously bought a $17 million estate in Healdsburg, an hour and a half north of Palo Alto. Jan Koum, the co-founder of WhatsApp, also left Silicon Valley for a simpler life in Atherton, further south.
And they’re not alone. In 2018, it was reported that residents were fleeing San Francisco at a rate of around 100 per day. Many of those moving out were young families leaving behind expensive city living for more affordable suburban towns.
But for tech execs, who often have the means to live anywhere they want, the allure of these small towns goes beyond simple economics. In an industry obsessed with disruption, these executives are looking for a different kind of change — a slower pace of life and closer connection to nature.
It’s no coincidence that many of these execs are choosing to settle in wine country. Healdsburg and Napa have long been popular weekend getaways for Bay Area residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But as these towns become more expensive and crowded, they’re losing some of their appeal as places to relax and recharge.
For tech execs who can afford it, Palo Alto is the perfect compromise — close enough to Silicon Valley to be convenient, but far enough away to feel like a different world.
The town’s amenities
The town’s amenities are a big draw for tech execs. There are two golf courses, a tennis club, a country club, and a spa. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops. And, of course, there is the beach.
The town’s culture
The town’s culture is what attracts many tech execs to it. The town is known for its laid-back lifestyle, its beautiful scenery, and its friendly people. It’s also a great place to raise a family. These execs say they can’t imagine living anywhere else.
The town’s economy
The town’s economy is booming thanks to the influx of tech execs who have sworn off the Valley. The town is now home to dozens of startups and has become a hub for tech innovation. The town’s residents are highly educated and highly paid, and the town has a low cost of living.
The town’s location
The town is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, about an hour drive from Silicon Valley.
