I know a lot of really good developers who left because of the toxic culture.
> so if you want to be exposed to new technology then Silicon Valley sits a head and shoulders above the next place.
This is not true.
> Peter Thiel made the statement that they are not opening Venture Capital offices in any other city because they didn't think there was enough value, meaning that the big ideas come to Silicon Valley - so venture capital will wait for it there.
All this means is Peter Thiel is providing VC exclusively in SV.
> There is no EASY way to simulate the same network from afar.
We have IRC, Github and tons of other social networking options that have been more than enough for me, and surely for many others. Plus the SV isn't the only place to network.
> In summary : if you care about working with great developers, learning new technology, building a company/raising capital, or building a professional network then Silicon Valley is a smart choice. If you care about having work life balance, being near family, or saving earned income then the bay area maybe a big mistake.
This is probably the only part I agree with here. The Silicon Valley isn't objectively the best place to build your career. If you don't give a shit about work/life balance then it probably is a top choice, but if work/life balance matters to you then it's probably one of the worst choices. You won't fit in with the people in the valley, and you might end up getting depressed or burnt out.