In one year&#x27;s time you have observed well and grown wise.  I moved to the Bay Area 18 years ago -- I share those observations and agree very much with your conclusions.<p>&gt; ...weird subliminal cultural value that people actually like it. I get judged when I suggest...<p>Yeah there&#x27;s a bit of a cult to the place, for sure.  I guess it requires believing in the Unicorns that the author of the OP alluded to.<p>&gt; Some of the most talented people I know live in Nebraska because they want to be close to family.<p>Yes, and in my experience I find the much of the best talent I know in my clients&#x27; businesses in Southfield Michigan and in Japan (auto tech. industry), and for similar reasons -- strong family ties.