I've lived in 4 different cities, each one smaller than the last. This pattern's been great as I've gotten older.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
The writer with his daughter and dog on a boat in New Hampshire.
caption TK - New Hampshire

Bart Beeson

I moved from New York City to Charlotte for a better quality of life. I didn't expect to feel so lonely.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Elizabeth stands near a sign that says
I moved south to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a better quality of life.

Elizabeth Wright

I moved in with my partner after college. No one told me how much I'd miss living with my best friends.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her roommates posing in front of their house with University of Michigan gear on.
I moved in with my partner after graduating from college, and missed living with all of my friends.

Angela Brown Photography

I lived with my grandfather for 2 years. I never expected we'd become best friends.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
the author and grandfather standing in a sunflower field
The author (left) moved in with her grandfather (right).

Courtesy of Ashleigh N. DeLuca

I moved back home after living abroad for 12 years. I worried it would be a step backward for my daughter and me.

Tech Insider : Business
Siobhan Colgan and her son looking out at a landscape abroad
The author had to move home after living abroad.

Courtesy of Siobhan Colgan

I moved to a walkable city on an island in Canada. Despite a few drawbacks, living here feels close to perfect.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman standing with coffee in dog in front of Parliament building with flowery tree
I never imagined I'd fall in love with living in Victoria, Canada, which is smaller than other places I've dreamed of living.

Maria Polansky

I'm an American who moved to a small French village. I tried to adjust, but learned I wasn't built for country living.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics
A shot of the French village where the author lived, featuring houses, fields, and a skyline.
I'd hoped my new home would be a bit more walkable.

Audrey Bruno

When my friends moved to the suburbs, I decided to raise my kids in Chicago. Being an urban mom was the best choice.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
a mother pushing a child in a swing
The author raised her kids in Chicago.

Unaihuiziphotography/Getty Images

I married an Irishman and moved to Ireland 10 years ago. My life is far from the fairy tale my friends back home imagine.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer and her husband wearing sweaters in Cork City.
captiontk

Marci Cornett

When my family of 4 moved to a small town, we downsized. We now spend more time together and less money.

Tech Insider : Business
Family looking out the window at snow.
The author's family (not pictured) spends more time together after their move.

AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

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