We loved living in Austin but left after 10 years. Big businesses and tech wrecked our favorite parts of the city.

• After 10 years of living in Austin, my husband and I decided to move to the suburbs.
• It wasn't an easy decision, but we found that a lot of what we loved about Austin was disappearing.
• We hated that many of the city's unique small businesses were being forced out due to high rents.

Ten years ago, my husband and I traded the hustle and bustle of Chicago life for the slowed-down pace of southern living in Austin.

We loved that the city was less hurried, had a small-town feel, and prided itself on its motto, "Keep Austin Weird."