California released their latest statistics this week, and over half a million more people have left the state than moved to it in the past 2 years. Business numbers are similar, many major companies have left, and far fewer startups are doing it from California.

The question is, as Silicon Valley continues to fade, what is the new hub for tech startups? It seems scattered around the globe. Right now, the best place to be if you're an online tech startup, IMO, is still Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The cost is a fraction of Silicon Valley. You can see a doctor for $6, have a chef make a 3-course meal in your house for $8 and have a personal chauffeur for a day for $9, limo included(US equivalent prices). Quality of life is very good.

The conversion rate to Thai Baht is extremely favorable, the people are super friendly, and the amenities are also very satisfactory. It's in that perfect balance of cheap and good, for now. Who knows if it will change when word gets out :)

Fairly well known SEOs already calling Chiang Mai home include...

Kyle Roof
Glen Allsopp
Kurt Phillip
Alex Azoury
Daryl Rosser
Will Tribe
Karl Kangur
Rob Atkinson
Diggy Dirk
Kevin Graham
Jesse Hanley
Stinus Hojensbo
Anthony Lam
Dan Joseph
Karl Kangur
Josh Kelly
Josh Larsen
Sia Mohajer
Oliver Sketchley-Kaye
Tim Sutton
Brendan Tully
Morgan Westerman
Jay Yap
... and more.

There are also several yearly SEO events. Any chance PubCon gives Chiang Mai a try?

Note: NY might be an obvious US choice but NY lost 15k more residents than California during the same period. It's not the new Silicon Valley, or a sign people are just moving out East.