I propose someplace affordable. What’s wrong with, say, Toledo, OH (between Detroit and Cleveland), which according to one source has the least expensive rent among U.S. cities? Its location on Lake Erie should give it reasonably good weather.
I have a similar intuition as Stefan. The networks effects, governance advantages, etc. seem more important to do effective good fast than how expensive rent is. I think cheap housing might win out for some orgs, e.g. if you can work mostly remote, have a very limited budget and don’t require much real-world contact with non-EA institutions. But it feels like this applies to the vast minority of orgs in the status quo.
I propose someplace affordable. What’s wrong with, say, Toledo, OH (between Detroit and Cleveland), which according to one source has the least expensive rent among U.S. cities? Its location on Lake Erie should give it reasonably good weather.
My sense is that affordability is often a bit overrated (relative to other criteria) in discussions of new hubs.
I have a similar intuition as Stefan. The networks effects, governance advantages, etc. seem more important to do effective good fast than how expensive rent is. I think cheap housing might win out for some orgs, e.g. if you can work mostly remote, have a very limited budget and don’t require much real-world contact with non-EA institutions. But it feels like this applies to the vast minority of orgs in the status quo.