Do you know anyone from these states? I know a bunch of folks and your characterization is inaccurate -- the talent that you have accessible from non-"premium" US markets is generally also not as good as what you'd find in NYC or the Bay Area. The set of people you're describing are those from these states that are both competent enough to work at a FAANG but also unwilling to move to an existing city that FAANG hires in. What I've found is that population in general is not that big -- people that have the ambition and grind to get into a top software shop in general are also willing to relocate for it.