Ask HN: Year in Bay Area Biotech?

[rubidium]

I’m an experienced biotech / life science tools inventor working in large companies (eg fortune 200) and work in the Midwest. I’ve traveled a lot to Boston area and some overseas.

I have the possibility to relocate for 1 year to the San Fran/ Bay Area for a temporary assignment. Specifics of this job aside, what are the major benefits and drawbacks of working in that area (esp with a family of 5).

[gcheong]

Benefits: Lots of things to do recreationally/hobby-wise. Pretty much any interest you may have there’s a good chance you’ll find some group doing it. First class restaurants, etc.

People are generally friendly/laid-back. A friend from Romania remarked that it felt very European to her compared to anywhere else she knew in the US.

Overall a beautiful area to live in despite the “doom loop” rhetoric you hear.

Drawbacks: Cost of living. Housing is expensive. Utilities are expensive. Groceries are probably on par with other areas. So depending on if your assignment is going to pay for your relocation and living expenses it may or may not be worth it from that aspect.