Seven critical factors in deciding where to locate your company Seven critical factors in deciding where to locate your company (September 28, 2005)
Silicon Valley rates highest in downside factors relating to critical issues firms might consider when deciding where to locate or relocate, according to a new study by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a consortium of large firms in Palo Alto and Santa Clara County.

Comparisons were with Raleigh-Durham, NC, Fairfax County, Va., Boston, Mass., Seattle, Wash., Portland, Ore., Austin, Texas, and San Diego.

The "critical issues" included unemployment rates, housing affordability, costs of traffic congestion, eighth-grade math achievements (future education measurement), electricity costs, percent of population with health insurance and state tax rates.

Silicon Valley led the pack in virtually all "negative" categories, with an average 6.86 on a scale of eight -- an eight rating means "immediate attention required."

Raleigh-Durham ranked first with a 2.59 average, followed by Fairfax County with a 3.29. Boston and Seattle tied for third, with averages of 3.86. Portland had a 4.14 average and Austin had a 4.29. San Diego average 5.71.

Silicon Valley received eight ratings in traffic congestion and eighth-grade math, seven ratings in unemployment rates and housing affordability and six ratings in the electricity costs, health insurance coverage and state tax rates.

-- Jay Thorwaldson

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