The Rise of Inland Tech Jobs: Young Professionals Seek Opportunities Outside Coastal Cities
The Shift in Young Professionals’ Job Preferences
Kacey Gavin grew up in Seattle and was determined to stay in the area, but a series of internships took her across the country. Her first move was to North Dakota, and then she found herself in Boise, Idaho, interning at semiconductor company Micron in 2023. Gavin loved the work, the friendly people, and the affordable housing in Boise. This experience made her more open to exploring job opportunities outside the coastal cities.
The Tech Boom in Boise
Boise, one of the most isolated cities in the US, has seen a growing tech boom in the past decade. Micron is building a $15 billion manufacturing facility in Boise, and two homegrown companies have been acquired by big names. The city’s population has grown, and Idaho had the second-largest increase in tech jobs among all US states. Boise offers a blend of nature, city life, work-life balance, stability, and opportunity, attracting tech workers who want a different lifestyle.
A Reckoning in the Tech Job Industry
Recent grads who expected to enter a lucrative tech job market have faced hiring freezes and layoffs in the industry. Twitch, Discord, Duolingo, Amazon, and Google have all announced cuts. This uncertainty is leading young professionals to seek new types of work, with applications to government jobs doubling. Women in tech-related majors are also more likely to apply to finance, management, consulting, government, education, healthcare, and research companies, while men are more likely to apply to internet and software companies.
Boise’s Nascent Talent Pool and Friendly Nature
Boise provides a unique opportunity for young professionals because the talent pool hasn’t caught up with the tech industry’s demands. The city’s friendly nature and smaller industry also contribute to boosting young careers. Professionals can quickly advance their careers in Boise.
The Strain on Boise’s Growth
Boise has experienced rapid growth, leading to challenges such as rising housing prices. The city is investing in downtown walkability and affordable housing redevelopment but needs to build thousands of new housing units each year to keep up with demand. Despite these challenges, Boise offers an affordable lifestyle and a vibrant culture similar to Nashville or Austin years ago.
The Appeal of Inland Tech Opportunities
Youthful professionals are increasingly drawn to more affordable, non-coastal cities in the US. They prioritize stability and are influenced by the struggles of previous generations with student loan debt and rising housing costs in major cities. As housing prices continue to skyrocket in coastal cities, secondary cities like Boise will continue to attract young professionals seeking better opportunities.
