My younger brother recently graduated from college and got a software development job in Detroit. It's nice to see pictures that provide a feel for what Detroit currently looks like.
From what I've heard, there is a trend for bootstrapped startups to move to Detroit to take advantage of the low cost of living. Unfortunately the lack of public services in some places is scary, but it seems like things are improving post-bankruptcy.
Off topic question - i've seen the phrase "bootstrapped startup" at lot, but am unsure of it's meaning. I'm familiar with the web-template 'bootstrap', but not sure how it sets one startup apart from another. Does it mean that they are they funded and out of "stealth mode", or that they specifically use the bootstrap template (meaning low cost, potentially unfunded)?
Refers to a startup that is funded by the founders and from reinvesting the profits of the startup, rather than funding from angels and VCs. It comes from the term bootstrap used in computing.
Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans is trying to make Detroit into the new SV. I'm a comp sci student in one of the upper middle class suburbs of Detroit and I'm tempted to get a job with them and move to the city. The downtown area is very nice already and Quicken Loans will pay you something like 20k if you buy a house in the city limits and a much smaller stipend monthly if you rent an apartment as opposed to commuting.
Hm, I will have to break one of my rules regarding leaving personal matters outside of HN, but I absolutely loathe Quicken Loans.
I recently wanted to refinance one of my properties. I work in tech but have a degree in applied mathematics, with an emphasis on financial engineering.
During the call the quicken loans agent said everything he could to make the sell. Once I got the paperwork in the mail and went over it closely I was furious. Every single thing he said was a lie and every number was way off. He kept trying to spin it as my misunderstanding and later as his missing a small detail.
Needless to say I went with a different lender and am happy with my loan. Overall, however, I would say avoid Quicken Loans at all costs.
Oh I have no idea on how they are as a loan provider, but I have heard very good things from many people in the area about how they are as an employer. I'm sure it's possible to be a great employer and terrible loan provider at the same time.
That sounds risky. Chances are, someone who's good at what they do isn't going to want to move to somewhere like Detroit, so they are going to have to replace staff. Sure, salary there is probably a pittance, but the talent pool for any skilled work would also be small.
From what I've heard, there is a trend for bootstrapped startups to move to Detroit to take advantage of the low cost of living. Unfortunately the lack of public services in some places is scary, but it seems like things are improving post-bankruptcy.