Leaving Silicon Valley

For the first time in five years, more people are moving out of Silicon Valley than moving in--a sign the high-priced center of the high-tech revolution may be losing its hometown appeal. California’s latest census figures showed Santa Clara County--home to a host of computer and software firms--experienced a net loss of population in 1999 once natural growth through births and deaths was discounted. “About 1,000 more people moved out than moved in,” said Sandy Harrison, a spokesman for California’s Department of Finance. Harrison said about 13,000 people moved out of Silicon Valley bound for other parts of the United States in 1999. The median house price in Santa Clara County has reached $420,000, with many neighborhoods offering nothing for less than $500,000.