Work hard and play harder. The stretch along Broadway and Fifth Avenue, between Union Square, up until the Flatiron District is rapidly becoming the nation’s second-leading hub for technology companies.
Forget about Silicon Valley. These days, it’s all about New York’s Silicon Alley, a thriving hub for start-up founders, web designers and young creatives. Startups and incubators are growing at a brisk pace, providing the biggest funnel of information technology jobs, all within a few blocks.
It’s all part of a new work culture. Employees work together and play together. They are creating their own rules of the work environment; jeans are ok, and so are coffee-shop meetings. And judging by Tumblr’s offices, snack and beer bars are also ok.
Union Square has always been one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city; musicians and artists entertain in the park, while trendy shops and hip restaurants surround the square. There is always something to do; and this has never been truer than today with the growing number of startups in the area.
Sure, startups come with their disadvantages: they are unpredictable and often times, unstable. But in a tumultuous world-economy, they’re leading the market. And with some of the fun perks available, who wouldn’t want to give them a try?
To join NY’s tech community, check out Made in NY, the NY Creative Interns, and the various incubators around town.
