The technology industry is known for well-paying jobs and comfortable working conditions.
However, despite this, in most cities across the country, women working in this field still earn less than men. Even in the highest income areas, women still cannot earn enough to independently purchase a median-priced home based on the 30% budgeting guideline.
To help women decide where to work, RealtyHop conducted a study to find the best cities for women in tech. The study ranked the top 100 cities by analyzing income-generating potential, housing market, opportunities for women, and overall location.
Ranked No. 9 on the list, Garland is a North Texas city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that offers an attractive option for women with homeownership goals.
Garland has the most affordable housing market of the top 10 list, with women in the tech industry spending just 38.28% of their income on housing, according to a new report. With homes on the market for a median list price of $339,000, women spend $2,214.22 each month on mortgage payments and property taxes.
This makes Garland an affordable option for women in technology who want to own their own home and enjoy the benefits of living in a thriving city.
In addition to a thriving job market, Garland is also a great place to live. The city has a lively downtown area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Residents can enjoy the Texas climate with many parks and outdoor spaces. Garland has some great schools, making it an ideal place for families.
Main findings
The best city for women in tech is Fremont, California. The town's total score was 56.81. This is due to a high median income, five years of strong growth, and a high representation of women in the industry. Women in Fremont are more likely to earn a good income and enjoy a high quality of life.
The three cities where women outnumber men in technology are Stockton, California, Santa Ana, California, and North Las Vegas, Nevada. These cities may be attractive to women looking to enter the technology industry.
Meanwhile, the worst city for women in tech is Riverside, California. The town has wide income disparities compared to men, an unaffordable housing market and fewer women working in the sector. Women looking to work in the technology industry may want to avoid Riverside because of these issues.
The study found that women earn less than men in 97 of the 100 cities analyzed. This sobering statistic highlights the need for further action to address the gender pay gap in the technology industry.
It's worth noting that 57% of cities now have more women in tech jobs than they did five years ago. While this is a positive trend, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the industry.
Cities that rank high on RealtyHop's list may be attractive to women looking to work in the tech industry. Still, it is essential to explore and understand the unique opportunities and challenges of each location. Being informed allows women to make informed decisions and choose the city that best suits their individual life goals.
To view the complete list, methodology, and data, please visit RealtyHop's website.