6 US cities for IT workers, where it’s cheap to live and comfortable to work

IT jobs no longer require living in one of the increasingly expensive cities such as New York, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco. You don't have to spend most of your salary on rent or a mortgage. Now cities that were not previously considered technology hubs are offering new job opportunities, reports Lifehacker.

Photo: IStock

There has been significant growth in the number of technical jobs in non-tech companies. This trend will continue as artificial intelligence and automation become more common across all industries.

And if you already live in a well-known tech hub like San Francisco but want to expand your job search, don't be afraid to do so.

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There are several cities where IT professionals can find ideal working conditions and affordable housing. The list is compiled using data from job market reports in different cities, as well as information from technical recruiters and hiring managers.

Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville is best known as the hometown of Walmart and has been developing as a tech hub for the past seven or eight years, according to Eoin O'Toole, a technical recruiter at Riviera Partners.

Beyond the big box store giant, O'Toole says there is a "growing ecosystem tied directly and indirectly to Walmart," as well as other large employers such as JB Hunt and Tyson Foods. Not only do these companies have their own technical staff, but their industries are also undergoing technological transformation. According to O'Toole, this makes them "valuable customers for many cutting-edge technology startups."

Bentonville is also attractive to other technology companies, as well as talent in areas such as drone and electric vehicle manufacturing, supply chain development, and consumer goods logistics. In addition, housing in Bentonville is 20% cheaper than the US average.

Dallas, Texas

Tech company recruiters and job postings often list Dallas and Austin as top emerging tech cities. But it's often said that Dallas has a lower cost of living.

Both cities have become tech hubs, according to Kristen Fowler, an expert on tech industry recruiting trends and vice president and principal of Clarke Caniff Strategic Search. This has happened over the past 10 years, especially with the advent of the pandemic.

“With Dallas home to major retailers like Chewy, Neiman Marcus and 7-11, as well as big tech companies AT&T and Texas Instruments, and banking organizations like Capital One, there's a lot of talent,” she explains.

Detroit, Michigan

The current period of growth in Detroit's tech sector began in 2010, according to Richard Heaton, hiring manager at Cartisian Tech Recruitment. It picked up steam around 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down.

During that time, Heaton said, General Motors "invested a lot of capital in technology and innovation." And Quicken Loans, one of the largest online mortgage lenders in the United States, continues to be the city's leading employer.

Additionally, this year Ford plans to open an "innovation district" in Central Michigan, which the company describes as "a hub in Detroit dedicated to advancing new technologies, ideas and programs." Add to that the city's fast-growing startup scene and the fact that it's been called one of the cheapest cities in the country to buy a home. It's not hard to see why Detroit attracts top tech talent.

Tampa, FL

With a combination of well-established technology employers and dynamic startups, Tampa is increasingly recognized for its growing technology scene. Especially since 2018.

“Key players such as Jabil and Tech Data, as well as the proliferation of fintech and cybersecurity companies, have created a diverse technology landscape,” says Allan McNabb, vice president of Image Building Media, an online marketing company based in Florida.

According to the 2023 Tech Talent Report, between 2016 and 2021, Tampa saw a 35 percent increase in the number of residents in their 20s with college degrees, the highest of any city in North America.

Pittsburgh, PA

Since the late 2000s, Pittsburgh has been steadily emerging as a technology hub, according to Craig Klieman, founder and CEO of The New Workforce.

Google, Uber, Apple, IBM and Facebook have offices in Pittsburgh. Home to Carnegie Mellon University, there's always a constant stream of new tech talent coming to the area.

“Pittsburgh's focus on artificial intelligence and robotics has made it a hub for technology innovation,” says Kleeman.

Pittsburgh in the United States is the most racially and ethnically diverse market for women with technical degrees, although one of the least diverse for men.

Atlanta, Georgia

Home to companies like Delta, Home Depot, Workday, BlackRock, Nordstrom and Carvana, Atlanta has become one of the largest tech job markets in the country. But beyond the big names, the city is home to startups, especially in healthcare and logistics technology.

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“Through strategic collaborations between companies like Microsoft and Georgia Tech, Atlanta is fostering partnerships and skills development,” explains Maria Opre, cybersecurity expert and senior analyst at EarthWeb. “While housing remains affordable compared to larger centers, salaries are competitive for a city of its size.”

There's also the Atlanta Tech Village, a collaborative mentorship and workspace for tech innovation that has made an impact in the city. Atlanta Tech Village supports startups and provides platforms for entrepreneurs to thrive.

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