When it comes to geek meccas, the first thing that usually comes to people's minds is the Silicon Valley. Biggest concentration of tech companies, liberal California lifestyle, and hey, they've got a Japantown complex in San Francisco!
What people don't realize is that there's geeky hotspots in unexpected places. Clusters of tech and creative jobs, not to mention divserse lifestyles, are found in almost all the "mega-regions." And sometimes, an area will suddenly rise to prominence, prompting people who keep up with these things to say, "Why THERE?"
Such was the case, this past week or so, with Boston.
Now, Massachusetts has always had its pluses when it comes to places to live. History buffs couldn't ask for a better location – it's the cradle of the American Revolution, after all. Its public transportation system and culture are renowned, and its holiday celebrations are extraordinary (trust me,I've been there for New Year's). Salem has long been considered a hotspot for followers of Earth religions.
But a site for geeky jobs? It's never really been considered that – despite the fact that the area has several popular cons, like Anime Boston.
Enter IBM. The grandaddy of all computer companies took a look at Massachusetts and decided they liked what they saw – to the tune of purchasing 18 tech startups. Right after that, they announced they were working on cutting-edge technology that would help computer chips hold more memory. Almost overnight, the region vaulted to the forefront of the geekonomy.
It should be noted that the area's job offerings are not limited to computer tech. They have a number of B-to-B and mainstream publishers, including Houghton Mifflin. Among the music and media companies that call the state home is Rykodisc, a record label known for historical re-releases. And sports geeks really have a bonanza to work with, as Boston is home to three storied franchises – the Celtics, Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Boston was always a natural for the geek lifestyle. It just took IBM drawing attention to it for people to see that.
Indeed, unexpected geek hotspots can be found all along both coasts. If you think you live too far away from an area with a wealth of geeky jobs and the lifestyle you see, look at the area around the con you most frequently go to and see what turns up. You may be pleasantly surprised.
And, hey, some geeky industry could set eyes on that city near you and turn it into the next Boston. You never know.
- Bonnie Walling