[mamoswined]

I think it's OK, there are plenty of opportunities, but I would not do it if I were young. I would do Silicon Valley, get a "big tech" or startup name on my resume and work on cutting edge projects, and then move to Chicago.

The major advantage here is cost of living is so much lower than the valley. Housing is cheap, which leaves a lot of room for money to use to eat out, nightlife, plays, music, etc.