Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#1

Post by dlsay » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 6:07 PM UTC

Hi all. Im in stealth mode with my start up in New Jersey and wanted to know if i risk losing out on talent to NYC because of the lower-panache factor of the address. Is it important to move into/closer to the city as I grow?

Re: Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#2

Post by friendstock » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 6:13 PM UTC

The "panache" is not the issue... the issue is whether your startup is in a location where young people want to live or commute to.

I worked at a telecom startup located in Bedminster and must say that it was not a convenient location for those who want to live in the city, since it required driving 45 minutes each way...

I would suggest Jersey City (e.g. Grove St.) or Hoboken -- some place that is accessible by PATH or other convenient public transit.

Re: Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#3

Post by dlsay » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 6:33 PM UTC

friendstock wrote: post #2

The "panache" is not the issue... the issue is whether your startup is in a location where young people want to live or commute to. I worked at a telecom startup located in Bedminster and must say that it was not a convenient location for those who want to live in the city, since it required driving 45 minutes each way... I would suggest Jersey City (e.g. Grove St.) or Hoboken -- some place that is accessible by PATH…

thanks - I was thinking about jersey city or newark.

Re: Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#4

Post by nika » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 6:52 PM UTC

Don't know NJ well, but having been there for awhile I can say that I would much rather live in a cost effective area and have a good daily commute than work in NYC. It may be "cooler" but it is a lot more expensive, and a lot less convenient.

Pursue employee happiness and productivity over panache anyday. Chasing panache will get you nowhere, and it is ultimately going to exceed your budget.

Re: Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#5

Post by mapster » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 11:29 PM UTC

There is great talent in NJ you just have to place a notice. People are leaving places like NJ for S.V.

Re: Ask HN: Is NJ a cool place for a startup?

#6

Post by rdouble » Wed, Feb 02, 2011, 11:39 PM UTC

It's not just "panache," it's also practical. All trains go to Manhattan. If you live in Queens or CT or Westchester or Long Island you won't commute to a job in NJ. However, NJ has a lot of engineering types. You might do ok, depending on your location and what type of startup.