Makes sense, thanks for explaining!

Because most oil & gas fields are located in or around Texas, and most energy companies have their headquarters or large operations there. Take a look at a map of the oil & gas proved resources in the U.S. If you’re asking why Houston and not Dallas or Austin or San Antonio, Houston is closer to the Gulf Coast and the various energy activities and pipelines there. Houston is also a bigger city than the others (4th largest in the country). There’s still a decent amount of O&G activity in Dallas, but far less than in Houston.

Yes, or at least more difficult than it has been the past few years, especially last year.

Maybe? I’m a bit skeptical because regional offices tend to be cyclical, and we’re now in a down market for tech. But sure, Boston does have some advantages over NY.

Yes.

A lot of smaller cities throughout the Midwest, West, and South fall into this category. Examples might include Denver, Nashville, the other cities in Texas outside of Houston, Charlotte, Raleigh, and various cities in Arizona. Also Boise and Salt Lake City for smaller options.

If you prefer to stay in other regions, one better option is often the suburbs outside of the biggest cities. All these places have their issues, but the cost of living is much lower, and crime is less of an issue.

People often say that these smaller places and the suburbs/rural areas are “boring,” but in my experience, most people in big cities spend most of their free time inside on digital entertainment anyway… so not sure there is a huge difference.