Top 7 Cities Competing To Be The Next Silicon Valley

Technology is exploding in every area of our lives, and there is a great demand for technology hubs as they're breaking out across the US. The internet has evolved into the "Internet of Things" (IoT) placing huge demand and growth within this new market.

Silicon Valley has expanded rapidly over the years; however, there is talk over which city will become the next big technology hub. Today, we will be talking about the top seven cities competing to become the latest tech hotspot. Let's get started!

Top Cities Criteria to be Considered

When we look into the reasons that these technology hubs are competing with each other, it has to deal with specific metric economic factors. These metric factors include educational background, knowledge in the industry, percentage of tech workers, index of growth for entrepreneurship, and venture capital activity per metro area.

Top Cities by Education

Education plays a major role in each city by the number of bachelor's degrees workers hold. The rankings go in the order from the first being around 50% to around 42% at the bottom of the list.

These seven cities include San Francisco/San Mateo, CA; Washington, DC; Denver/Boulder, CO; Raleigh/Dunham/Chapel, NC; Boston/Cambridge, MA; Oakland/East Bay, CA; Austin, TX.

Top Cities by Knowledge in Occupation

This category is based upon those working in a specific field in tech from the programmers to management; engineers, architects, social sciences and even the education sector relating to tech. This sector also includes a subset based on the tech industry. These workers are more focused on software, telecom, and subsidiary fields of the tech industry such as science and medical devices.

The list from first to last includes San Francisco/San Mateo, CA; Raleigh/Dunham/Chapel, NC; Boston/Cambridge, MA; Washington, DC; Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Oakland/East Bay, CA.

Top Cities by Number Index Growth Entrepreneurship

Research provided by the Kauffman Foundation shows metric growth entrepreneurship was made up of large scale startups and high-growth companies. According to one San Antonio moving company a number of individuals have informed them that a large base of their new business is coming from Austin, and thus the migration there.

Starting at the top of the list to the bottom we have Washington, DC; Austin, TX; Nashville, TN; Boston/Cambridge, MA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Dallas, TX.

Top by Venture Capital Activity

According to the National Venture Capital Association, Pitchbook data tracked the top cities for industry growth within the tech sector. This indicator is one of the best gauges to see where the money is flowing to in terms of high-tech business.

San Francisco tops the charts here with $16.9 billion followed by New York City at second with $9.1 billion. Coming in third was Boston with $6 billion and at fourth was Los Angeles with $3.5 billion. In fifth place was Seattle with $1.5 billion; Chicago in sixth at $1.25 billion; seventh being Washington D.C. at $1.1 billion.

The Top Seven Cities Based Upon the Above Criteria

Based upon the above metrics along with the Cushman and Wakefield report we can see the best cities after Silicon Valley are:

1. San Francisco/San Mateo, CA
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Boston/Cambridge, MA
4. Raleigh/Dunham/Chapel, NC
5. Seattle, WA
6. Austin, TX
7. Denver/Boulder, CO

Final Thoughts

Technology is a big part of the world's future. Systems are integrating together, and technology is the reason behind this phenomenon. Each of these cities is aware of the massive growth in their revenue because of the tech sector playing a role in this.

Five U. S. Cities With Thriving High Tech Sectors

Have you wondered which communities in the United States hold promise as vital centers of computer high tech startup innovation? The answer might surprise you! Today you don't need to relocate to Silicon Valley to uncover attractive employment opportunities in this dynamic field. Consider exploring these rapidly evolving alternative venues:

Provo-Orem, Utah

Utah's central valley offers a scenic panorama. Long friendly to new businesses, Provo and Orem have recently begun attracting a vibrant tech community. Large firms, such as Oracle, eBay, Microsoft and Adobe, have established a presence in the region, contributing significantly to an influx of skilled tech specialists. The availability of tech expertise makes this location appealing to some startups.

Austin, Texas

The capital city of the Lone Star State enjoys acclaim as a popular live music center. Yet did you know, today the comfortable suburbs around Austin also welcome a growing number of affluent, well-educated techies? With the University of Texas at Austin located squarely in the center of many exciting new high tech developments in the region, and a business-friendly environment in Texas, expect this metropolitan area to continue to appeal to many innovative firms for the foreseeable future. With companies such as Dell, Inc., Cisco Systems, Samsung, 3M, and Advanced Micro Devices providing employment in Austin, the tech community thrives here.

Phoenix, Arizona

Situated in the heart of the Southwest and blessed with a well-developed infrastructure and an educated, diverse population, Phoenix offers an increasingly alluring business climate for technology innovators. Its proximity to the West Coast strikes many analysts as a plus, since established companies don't need to spend a fortune relocating here. Additionally, the cost of living index in Phoenix and its environs compares favorably to many other established commercial hubs. Phoenix movers help make the transition from the Pacific Coast to sunny Central Arizona seamless.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder has long relished its choice location in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With a highly educated, affluent population, a modern infrastructure, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby, the city during recent decades has cultivated the growth of its green high tech sector. The University of Colorado at Boulder helps ensure a steady supply of talented science and technology graduates in this location; some firms have opted to relocate here from established tech centers.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh's recent success attracting technology firms demonstrates cities which once depended mainly upon heavy industrial production facilities can redefine themselves today successfully as innovation incubators. Formerly known as a steel mill powerhouse, Pittsburgh today has begun acquiring a reputation as a center of high tech. Some 1600 technology-related companies contribute enormous sums of money to the local economy here. A Pittsburgh Technology Council helps relocating enterprises find a welcoming reception in Western Pennsylvania, while lobbying for new incentives to make the transition even more attractive.

Increasing Competition

During its infancy, the high tech sector in the United States benefited from an insular creative environment in Silicon Valley. Highly skilled IT programmers and other computer industry professionals could cluster in one centralized location and collaborate easily on exciting projects. Yet few industries display such a great potential for portability and adaptability as high tech. The success of Silicon Valley has persuaded some promising high tech entrepreneurs to search for more affordable venues in several other, innovation-friendly places.

Similarly, more cities have begun appreciating the very tangible benefits of cultivating the green tech sector. Welcoming innovators in this field assists some metro areas in launching effective urban revitalization programs. Cities as diverse as Phoenix and Pittsburgh currently compete for new computer, automation and biotech business. Expect all the regional high tech centers mentioned here to become more widely known as reasonable Silicon Valley alternatives in the near future!

Great Ways to Save Money When You Are Living Alone

Living on your own for the first time is an exciting experience. At the same time, it teaches you that you can no longer live the way you once did. While you were still living at home with your parents, or when you lived with a roommate or two, you were able to spend your money in a certain way. However, once you begin to live on your own, things vastly change. You are no longer sharing the costs of rent and you now have a number of additional bills and other expenses to consider. The best way to save money while living alone is to learn how to budget. Here are some crucial tips for budgeting when you live on your own.

Create a Shopping List and Stick to It

One of the easiest ways to go over your budget is to skip making a list when you go on shopping trips. Grocery shopping can easily lead to making impulse purchases that you otherwise might not have made if you had a grocery list. You can easily create a list right from your smartphone. There are many list apps available, or you can use a proprietary app like the one for Notes that is built right into your phone. Always make a list each time you do your food shopping and only buy those items on your list. Avoiding impulse purchases can do both your wallet and your waistline a favor in the long run.

Turn Off Lights and Gadgets

Turn off the lights when you’re not at home or not in the room for long stretches of time. When you do that, you are saving electricity as well as the light bulbs. You can take this a step further by turning off any electronics or appliances that you aren’t using. Your electric bills will be dramatically lower.

Switch to Cheaper Car Insurance

You can easily save plenty of money by switching to cheaper car insurance. Chances are, you are paying too much. Compare cheap auto insurance quotes online and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Cook Your Own Meals at Home

Cooking your own meals at home on a daily basis can save you a great deal of money. In addition, it can help you to be healthier. Learn how to make a few basic meals and switch it up throughout the week to make things more interesting. Save and eat your leftovers and take them for lunch the next day when you go to work. If you must eat out, try to cut it down to one day per week.

Buy Generic Instead of Brand Names

When you go shopping, whether it’s just for groceries and toiletries or if you have to buy new clothing, consider buying generic instead of brand names. Generic is frequently just as good as the brand name and is sometimes even better. Plus, you will save a few hard-earned bucks in the process.

Downgrade Your Cable Package

If you subscribe to a cable TV package, you can downgrade it if there are certain channels you don’t watch. For example, if you have premium channels like HBO and Starz included in your package but rarely watch them, you can save some money by contacting your cable company and downgrading your package. As an alternative, if you don’t watch TV very much, you can even cancel your cable subscription and instead rely on streaming services with your Internet.

Sell Extra Electronic Devices

If you are the type of person who doesn’t get rid of old electronic devices, you can collect extra cash by selling those you no longer use. eBay will gladly allow you to sell old smartphones, game consoles, tablets, computers and other devices. Even if you have gadgets that are no longer in working condition, you can still sell them for parts.

These are great ways you can save money when living alone. It can help you to stick to your budget and make it easier to live on your own.

Explore The 20 Safest Cities in Arizona

Have you searched for the best places to live in Arizona? The WalletHub.com website recently asked experts to rate states in terms of safety. They reviewed factors such as crime rates, road safety, workplace and financial safety, natural disasters and emergency preparedness. The Grand Canyon State ranked as the 19th safest place to live in the USA.

Arizona earned exceptionally high marks for workplace safety and preparedness, and obtained slightly below average scores for personal, residential and financial safety. Yet the state ranked next to last in terms of road safety. Sadly, 895 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Arizona during 2015, and 962 died from auto accidents in 2016. Since automotive hazards pose such a significant danger here, we've given weight to transportation data, as well as crime rates.

You'll want to learn more about these secure, comfortable urban locations. They rank among the top 20 safest cities in Arizona:

1. Sedona; Low crime rates, spectacular panoramic vistas and a thriving art culture draw people to Sedona, a mountain community south of Flagstaff. Comfortable accommodations await visitors.

2. Payson: This small town in Central Arizona offers proximity to scenic recreational areas in the Tonto National Forest. Its elevation helps residents enjoy a slightly cooler summer climate, yet the town typically experiences very mild winters, too.

3. Gilbert: Living in Gilbert reduces your chance of becoming involved in a traffic accident by nearly 12% according to insurance industry analysts. This Phoenix suburb offers numerous tourist attractions.

4. Sierra Vista: Located in far Southeastern Arizona, Sierra Vista delights people seeking scenic desert views. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound here in the nearby Coronado National Forest.

5. Mesa: An estimated 484,000 residents live in Mesa east of Phoenix. Its well-developed urban infrastructure and numerous shopping, dining and entertainment facilities make this community a popular vacation destination today.

6. Bullhead City: This community sits across the Colorado River from the popular resort center of Laughlin, Nevada. Despite a slightly higher crime rate than some other places, it offers ready access to entertainment and recreational activities. Plus, as a gateway to the scenic Colorado River, Bullhead City offers some spectacular natural vistas.

7. Florence: Located just 60 miles outside of Phoenix along scenic Highway, Florence boasts a very low crime rate. Its population of nearly 26,000 people enjoy access to both Tucson and Phoenix, plus proximity to McFarland State Historic Park.

8. Chandler: Chandler offers numerous attractions to interest tourists and visitors alike. This suburb of Phoenix houses nearly a quarter of a million people today. It supplies lucrative high tech job opportunities, too.

9. Wellton: This small town of not quite 2,000 sits along Interstate 8 in Southern Arizona. The community enjoys low crime rates. Two large golf courses attract many seasonal residents.

10. Tempe: Today vibrant Tempe has grown into a high-tech center. The city's nearly 200,000 residents enjoy a well-developed urban infrastructure and one of the most affordable living indexes among major urban areas.

11. Prescott Valley: Prescott Valley underwent significant growth during the past decade. This popular Prescott suburb in Central Arizona offers a well-developed medical services infrastructure and a dynamic, growing economy. It furnishes ready access to Prescott National Forest.

12. Scottsdale: This suburb of Phoenix remains an impressive city in its own right. Its well-established infrastructure supports a thriving economy and a busy tourism industry. A diverse population contributes to the community's cultural life.

13. Peoria: Home to an estimated 164,173 people, this Phoenix suburb appears poised to become a solar energy powerhouse in coming years. The community offers an excellent quality of life, plus ready access to entertainment, shopping and health care.

14. Nogales: This city of slightly over 20,000 people stands along the border with Mexico. It enjoys a warm desert climate and a thriving cultural life. Its high per capita police presence likely contributes to its low crime rate.

15. Flagstaff: Do you enjoy mountain desert scenery? Then you may find Flagstaff irresistible! Located at the intersection of Interstates 17 and 40, this city encompasses 64 square miles in North Central Arizona.

16. Page: This scenic small town in far Northern Arizona borders Lake Powell. It provides access to nearby outdoor recreational opportunities, plus a welcoming community environment.

17. Phoenix: With well over a million residents and a well-developed urban infrastructure, Phoenix offers a great quality of life. It has become a major Southwestern tourist center in recent years.

18. Yuma: In far Southwestern Arizona, Yuma lies within one of Arizona's few citrus fruit growing regions. Its prime location along the Colorado River helps make this city of nearly 95,000 people a center for outdoor recreational activities.

19. Pima: Founded by Mormon settlers, Pima in Southeastern Arizona enjoys a very low crime rate. The community of slightly over 2,000 residents enjoys close proximity to the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

20. Tucson: Vibrant Tucson today enjoys a population of just over 530,000 people. Despite its large size, the city has developed an impressive series of hike and bike trails. The city worked to reduce air pollution by encouraging carpooling.

5 Reasons to Raise a Family in the Midwest

The Midwest region refers to a group of 12 states clustered around the center of the country. This region includes Ohio, Indiana and Michigan as well as Nebraska and both North Dakota and South Dakota. While you might think of the Midwest as farm country and a region filled with fields, it actually offers some great opportunities for residents. You can learn more about the benefits of raising a family in the Midwest before searching for your next home.

More Job Opportunities

Though you might assume that you need to live on one of the coasts to find the best jobs, the Midwest is home to a number of employers. More than 100 of the companies included on the Fortune 500 list are in the Midwest. This list includes both recognizable names like Target, Proctor and Gamble and General Mills as well as lesser known companies that make products you use every day. These companies can help you make a living wage that will cover the cost of your living expenses and help you make more money that you can spend on your kids and put back towards their futures.

Lower Cost of Living

When you live in a big city like Miami, New York City or San Francisco, you may find yourself struggling just to pay your rent or mortgage each month. That gives you less money that you can spend on your kids, including buying them clothing for school and even putting food on the table. Many parts of the Midwest offer a much lower cost of living. You can buy a home that lets every member of your family have his or her own room for less than it would cost to rent a one or two bedroom apartment in a major city. Groceries and clothing are more affordable too.

Family Fun

One reason to move to the Midwest and raise your family there is because of all the fun that you can have together. Ohio is home to two major amusement parks: King's Island near Cincinnati and Cedar Port up north. Kentucky and Wisconsin have their own amusement parks too. Family fun can include weekend trips to some of the state parks in the region that let you bring your own tent or camper and set up on a spot or rent a cabin for the weekend. Six of the states in the Midwest share a border with one of the Great Lakes too.

Close to Big Cities

As you look at the best places to live in Indiana or another Midwestern state, you'll find that some of the top ranked areas are the suburbs near a big city. Instead of dealing with the high rent prices in a major city like Indianapolis, you can move your family to a suburb like Carmel. These suburbs put you close to the city and let you take day trips into town, but you'll love the quietness and the safety of living in a smaller community.

Good Schools

Good schools are a major consideration for parents looking at making a big move. Midwestern schools often have more money than inner city or city schools do and offer more activities and options for students. Your kids can play sports, join teams and take part in activities to make new friends and do something they love. As your children age, you'll appreciate being so close to some of the top colleges in the nation. The Midwest is home to schools like The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin and Purdue University, which has a branch in the heart of Indianapolis.

Many families living in large cities find that they have little time to spend together because they spend so much time on public buses and working just to afford their rents or mortgages. Raising your kids in the Midwest lets you save money and spend more time together.

5 Tips to Ensuring You Have Quality Insurance Coverage

Sometimes it is not always about being insured but rather enjoying a quality insurance cover. While it could be difficult to find quality insurance, it is not impossible. Many people just go out and settle for the first insurance cover they come across. Later, they realize it was a mistake, as it doesn’t cover all they expected. Finding quality insurance may take some serious research and a little bit of work but it is worth it. Here are some tips for you before you go shopping for insurance.

Know the exact worth of whatever you want to insure

Many people fail to pay attention to this area mostly because they are ignorant of how crucial it is. Before you settle for any insurance cover, first do a valuation of your property. After you do the math, then you can take a policy that will cover the full value of your property. If you make any mistake in this stage, you may lose some money later after the insurance company tells you that the policy didn’t cover the full value of your property.

Apart from not having enough insurance for your property, the other possibility is that you could be over insured. This happens when you overestimate the value of your property. You are left paying high premiums that are not necessary.

Shop around for reputable insurance companies then compare their quotes

Don’t settle for the first quote you get. There are many good insurance companies out there. Go and get several quotes from those companies. This can help you determine which one is best for you. But don’t always use price as a factor. Understand the quality of insurance and reputation of the companies.

After you get all those quotes, use online tools to compare the quotes. Whichever type of insurance you choose, you can find a comparison tool. The most common are the auto insurance quotes comparison tools online. Here you can select the type of coverage you want and fill all the necessary details to get several quotes from the best insurance companies.

Don’t use price only to compare policies; check ratings too

Price can be deceiving. The cheapest insurance isn’t always the best. Instead of using the price only, use the company’s ratings too. To know whether an insurance company will cover you sufficiently, pay attention to what its clients are saying. The ratings can tell you whether customers are satisfied or not. Always go for the companies with the highest ratings and least client complaints. Ratings and reviews are easy to find online, just search the company and check its customer reviews.

Read the terms and conditions

Most people ignore this but regret it later. After you have narrowed down your options to maybe two or three companies, it is time to read each term and conditions. You may find the craziest details in that policy. Make sure you read them all before signing any of them. The agents may not always tell the full truth so it is up to you to find out. This is where you get all limitations of the coverage then choose the one that is fair.

Get additional or add-on coverage if you need it

After reading the terms of the insurance coverage, you may discover some limitations. It may not cover everything you want. In that case, you can choose to insure what is not covered separately. The insurance company may tell you to take an add-on product for that. Take it if you seriously need it. This way you can rest knowing everything is fully covered.

The bottom-line

With so many insurance companies coming up, it can be difficult to choose the right coverage for you. However, by taking some time to fully analyze your situation and the options available, you can choose the best coverage you need. It only needs you to pay close attention to details before you sign any contract. With that in mind, you can get quality coverage for the best price.