I know of a few tech companies based there with average salaries in the 150s.

The presence of renowned universities and research institutions has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship, making Durham a hub for startups and high-tech companies.Real Estate Market Trends:The real estate market in Durham has shown positive trends during the 2010-2020 period.

Tons of tech activity and outside investor's pouring money into the region. 

Microsoft is a bit more descriptive, but could still be just about anything tech related.  

Thats called investing in a tech stock and hoping it becomes the next google, amazon or apple before anybody else does.Ultimately, you have to decide what your goal actually is and then find something to fit.

It seems to me, there is no large number of tech employers, it is not close to big cities like Austin or Dallas .b) Is it overbuilt?

Many big-tech companies are either moving into the market or expanding their business here, which is contributing to rapid economic development.

Columbus has experienced so much growth for the past few years, partly due to the influx of tech giants like Intel ($20 billion), Meta, Amazon, and Google building warehouses and data centers in the area, which has contributed to an increase in property prices and more people moving into the city for job opportunities.

And yes, when working as a electrical service tech every day, occasionally you do get turned down by people just looking for the lowest price and that is just life but when you are your own boss you want to go out there and please everybody!

And like you said, not enough $$$ to make a giant stink about.It sounds a lot like some things I've seen around here but without the flip/exit planned...