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We live in a technological age; there is no doubt about that, but not all things can be done by machines, robots, etc. Sometimes, it takes a human touch and, for all you entrepreneurs who work better with your hands than a computer, this one is for you. Here are five cities that have good soil for you to plant your non-tech startup.
Ocala, Florida
Recent Job Growth: 2.3%
Projected Job growth (Next 10 yrs.): 37.6
The first stop on our tour of non-tech cities is Ocala, Florida. One of many true southern cities with a rich history; however, like most rural towns, time seems to stand still, and technology is not a top priority. Their biggest source of income comes from horse breeding and training. Being that Ocala’s economy is in horses, all those working in crafts like leatherworkers, woodworkers, etc. your expertise will not be just a commodity, but a necessity.
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Recent Job Growth: .1%
Projected Job Growth (Next 10 yrs.): 2.3
A true fishing town, Thibodaux still relies heavily on shrimp and crab. So for all you landlubbers looking to get your sea legs, this is the spot for you. On another note, Thibodaux has, in recent years, relied on another source of income, off-shore oil. But lately, this seems to be on the decline as the town searches for other revenue streams in healthcare and other areas of infrastructure where people are in abundance.
Detroit, Michigan
Job growth: .7%
Projected Job growth (Next 10 yrs.): 29.3%
Detroit, Motown, Motor city; although this is how we remember Detroit, unfortunately, the city is no longer the mecca for music and cars. It is, however, making a comeback in other areas like farming with urban farming installations springing up to feed the community; for the farmers in the eastern market district, food is all you green thumbs will be planting on fertile soil. Along with that, Detroit’s revival in infrastructure is bringing more and more businesses like hotels, motels, and restaurants. Even the night-life is coming back with old fashion speakeasies and other all-night joints.
Stockton, California
Job Growth: 2.2%
Projected Growth (10yrs. +): 33.6%
A farm town through and through and home to some of California’s vineyards, Stockton residents are no strangers to getting their hands dirty in the fields. So for all you social drinkers looking to craft one of your own, this might be the place for you. Although in recent years, the area has been high in foreclosures, crime legislation has been instituted that puts Stockton in a position for a turnaround.
Dothan, Alabama
Job Growth: 1.2% from last year
Projected Growth: 29.7 in next 10 yrs.
Like any typical southern town, Dothan relies more on its farming than its technology. Most known for their peanuts, locals, however, are also producing cotton and tomatoes. The cotton could be useful for you fashion people looking for a supply of materials or makers of other textile goods like curtains, tablecloths, etc. All you other farmers might be interested in getting in on this growing trend of cotton and becoming suppliers to some other companies in need of these valuable goods of cotton and tomato and maybe some other crops.
What are some cities you’ve thought about moving to in order to launch a non-tech startup? Let us know in the comments!
This article originally published on GREY Journal.
