Being offered a job in Silicon Valley is not like being offered a job anywhere else. This is a world-famous region with a reputation for being pretty unforgiving, and that can make it a little intimidating. You’re not just walking into a job; you’re walking into one of the most influential and powerful regions on the planet.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. The biggest and brightest minds still call Silicon Valley home, and while other tech hubs have sprung up across the US (and the world), it’s still this pocket of Northern California that rules the roost.
In this post, we’ve put together some useful tips that can help smooth your move to Silicon Valley, ensuring you get off to the best possible start to life in your new home.
1. Crunch Those Numbers
Silicon Valley is expensive, sometimes eyewateringly so. The higher cost of living should be reflected by your salary, which will likely be higher than what you’d earn elsewhere, but it’s still important to really crunch the numbers and figure out the type of lifestyle that your salary will afford you. You’ll feel more confident about making the move if you’re not scared about the impact it’ll have on your bank balance.
2. Get a Landing Pad
Silicon Valley is a lot bigger than people assume. Where you decide to live will likely be decided by where your employer is located (short commute times are worth their weight in gold), but even still, it’s recommended not to commit to one property before you’ve had a chance to explore different neighborhoods. Instead, book yourself short-term accommodation. This is a common strategy for new arrivals, and you should have no problem finding Palo Alto, Santa Clara, or Cupertino furnished apartments for rent. You can find long-term housing once you’ve got the lay of the land and have a better sense of what you’re looking for, but for the first few months, short-term is the way to go.
3. Start Having Fun Immediately
Most people who move to Silicon Valley do so for professional reasons, but keep in mind that this region offers more than work. There are plenty of fun things to do in Silicon Valley, and you’ll feel much better about having made the move if you discover what those things are as soon as possible. We’d recommend using one of your first weekends to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains or Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Checking out the region’s events also offers a good chance to see the best that it has to offer, and also offers a chance to connect with others.
4. Get Comfortable on a Bike
Silicon Valley can be an amazing place to live, but it’s not without its downsides. Traffic — and thus getting places — can be an issue. Fortunately, the region is generally pretty bike-friendly. It’s recommended to invest in a good bike (and safety equipment) and develop your cycling legs. It’ll save you a ton of time and help you get to know the area better, too.