Ask HN: SF vs. NYC?

My team is currently discussing a relocation to either San Fransisco or New York City in the next 2 months our so. We are a social network startup currently based out of Atlanta. ATL is a young growing city and we believe the media connections and partners here are great. However our reason for wanting to relocated is 2 things.

1. Talent is really hard to find here in Atlanta. 2. The network of investors in Atlanta aren't interested in our space.

I personally have lived in both locations. I find them both to be expensive but livable. I've also found that 3 months networking at these locations is 12 months in ATL. I'm interested to see what the HN community thinks. Any founders who have made the move that can share some wisdom would be great.

When it comes to building a successful startup, you really should focus on just 2 things: 1) Build great product 2) Talk to customers 2.5) Iterate + repeat

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'networking' and what you expect to get from the said activity. You can just as easily raise money from SF/NY investors even if you are based in Atlanta - if you have a great product and good growth. If you are missing great product or good growth, you can't raise money even if you live in the investors' basement.

In terms of talent acquisition - that might be a legitimate reason. Keep in mind that (good) talent is also very very expensive in SF/NY. You are basically competing against the best companies in the world in terms of mission + compensation. So really ask yourself if you have what it takes to attract the best talent.

Come here to Bend, fly in to SF from time to time. It's not cheap here, but it's a nice place to live.

Why would you move your start up to one of the most expensive places in the US? Especially if you don't have funding.

1)For talent perhaps you should consider a remote and distributed team. Its 2016, this is not uncommon and it can work quite well.

2)Why do you have to be in the same location as investors? You can set up appointments with VC folk over the course of a few days and fly out for that.

Man, every other comment is trying to talk you out of moving.

Atlanta is kind of like that Facebook friend who thinks she is a "model". Atlanta start-up scene believes it is hotter than it really is.

If I were you, I would rent a cheap house in SF for 2-3 months as a team, stay there and spend at least 50% of the time networking at meetups and pitching.

It will give you clarity in 3 months if you idea is sellable or not. If you get major breakthrough in 3 months, stay longer otherwise fly back home and start over with a new idea.