Read on Twitter
Update: I moved to Miami 
https://twitter.com/backus/status/1260738251196739584
https://twitter.com/backus/status/1260738251196739584
A bunch of people have asked why, so...
Thread on how I switched from loving SF to moving
Thread on how I switched from loving SF to moving
First, context: I truly loved SF.
For a while, I spent most of my time at @noisebridge hacking on software/hardware for fun.
Met tons of fascinating people organically & thru Twitter.
I'm also a startup founder, so moving to the Bay Area (~2013) was a dream come true.
For a while, I spent most of my time at @noisebridge hacking on software/hardware for fun.
Met tons of fascinating people organically & thru Twitter.
I'm also a startup founder, so moving to the Bay Area (~2013) was a dream come true.
Obviously everyone experienced lockdown, but my experience was:
Couldn't build things with others at @noisebridge
More friends moved away, or started indefinitely traveling, every month
Remaining social outlet was outdoor pickup basketball which was also banned for ~1y
Couldn't build things with others at @noisebridge
More friends moved away, or started indefinitely traveling, every month
Remaining social outlet was outdoor pickup basketball which was also banned for ~1y
~8mo in, I came to resent CA's / SF's COVID approach. Matter of personal pref, but my main thought was
> I don't like living in a place where the solution is, effectively, don't leave your house, indefinitely. I want to live somewhere that gives you a say in your risk tolerance.
> I don't like living in a place where the solution is, effectively, don't leave your house, indefinitely. I want to live somewhere that gives you a say in your risk tolerance.
SF politics also ate at me. Between @recallchesa, SF school board, & anti-tech ethos, I had 2 thoughts:
1. Everything I love about SF is due to it's network effects, in spite of how it's run
2. I haven't enjoyed the fruits of those network effects (people + culture) for a year
1. Everything I love about SF is due to it's network effects, in spite of how it's run
2. I haven't enjoyed the fruits of those network effects (people + culture) for a year
By 2021, I had 3 close friends who moved to Miami.
I visited w friends and it just *felt* better here. People seemed happier, places open, and I felt like I could get parts of my life back. Eventually, I thought "I think Miami could actually become a tech Schelling point."
I visited w friends and it just *felt* better here. People seemed happier, places open, and I felt like I could get parts of my life back. Eventually, I thought "I think Miami could actually become a tech Schelling point."
As of now, I have 8 close friends who have moved to Miami, which is huge. Many more considering it.
This is also the answer to "Why not Austin / New York / whatever?"
Most of my friends are moving here and it seems like the best bet for a new tech hub overall.
This is also the answer to "Why not Austin / New York / whatever?"
Most of my friends are moving here and it seems like the best bet for a new tech hub overall.
So, my main answer to questions about location are "that's where the people are."
I didn't move to SF b/c of weather, I moved there b/c I like programming computers and being around smart ambitious people.
Beyond that, yes, weather is beautiful lately. Yes, August will be hot.
I didn't move to SF b/c of weather, I moved there b/c I like programming computers and being around smart ambitious people.
Beyond that, yes, weather is beautiful lately. Yes, August will be hot.
In terms of Miami as a city, my main rec is keep an eye on @devonzuegel's blog for new posts 
That said, I've been pleasantly surprised how accessible my area is. Everything I need is a short walk. Good housing density. Streets feel vibrant early morning and middle of night.
That said, I've been pleasantly surprised how accessible my area is. Everything I need is a short walk. Good housing density. Streets feel vibrant early morning and middle of night.
Feel like I could add so much more, but I need to do actual work now.
Reply with questions and I'll try to answer later
Reply with questions and I'll try to answer later
Big detail I forgot:
Seeing @FrancisSuarez speak positively about tech was actually meaningful
I founded my startup in 2013 and watched media & gov villainize tech more every year
I work really hard on stuff I'm proud of. Living somewhere where that's appreciated was appealing
Seeing @FrancisSuarez speak positively about tech was actually meaningful
I founded my startup in 2013 and watched media & gov villainize tech more every year
I work really hard on stuff I'm proud of. Living somewhere where that's appreciated was appealing
Update: here is the excellent Miami city review by @devonzuegel that I mentioned! https://twitter.com/devonzuegel/status/1384986033658421248
