Unfortunately, we work in an industry (software development) where the choice is basically between:
* Working from home and being entirely socially isolated from your co-workers
* Live within commuting distance of a major city
If I had been a plumber, I'd be able to work in any town in the US, no matter how small. If I had been an auto mechanic, dentist, accountant, retail manager-- ditto.
But not a software developer. Sigh.
One of the things that makes me most happy is not living in a city, but it's incompatible with the only skill I'm really competent at.
One of the reasons I chose to settle down in Raleigh, NC. Not a large city, but a great tech scene that still pays well, and very reasonable cost of living.
Not as much to do as San Francisco or NYC - but I certainly think it's worth it.
I work in Wichita, KS and could easily get a house in the country with <30 minute commute. Software developer jobs are everywhere. You just have to be willing to trade some job mobility.. I probably wouldn't be able to immediately find another job here working with C++ at the same level of hardware.
* Working from home and being entirely socially isolated from your co-workers
* Live within commuting distance of a major city
If I had been a plumber, I'd be able to work in any town in the US, no matter how small. If I had been an auto mechanic, dentist, accountant, retail manager-- ditto.
But not a software developer. Sigh.
One of the things that makes me most happy is not living in a city, but it's incompatible with the only skill I'm really competent at.