He probably doesn't have enough to move.

Perhaps a proper recommendation would be "apply for jobs in NYC. The word is they're quite desperate for competent developers".

That's probably the best description about why I left NYC.

I've thought about going bicoastal with short-timers in NYC while maintaining my (thankfully rent-controlled) apt in SF, where is a good place to look for startup-y NYC gigs?

I am in NYC, I would like to know who is hiring?

If you're looking, email me. I make software for banks.