Moving to a cool city will not make YOU cool
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3/27/2021
I moved to Austin in 2004. The city was low cost, unpretentious and a little dilapidated and rough around the edges. But it was authentic, friendly and alternative. The arts scene was booming, think 80's roller skating show telling a 70's sci fi cult movie story, that wicked! Mom and pop shops and restaurants down town, a few seedy bars, hippies playing the bongos at Barton springs free area where you could see the occasional jogger and Mexican family picnicking. You could dine at Eddie V's in flip flops. I felt immediately at home and thought I would retire and die here. 15 years later it is all gone. Sleek bars down town, cost of living and cost of real estate in particular skyrocketing and your typical large city rudeness. Just last night somebody passed my vehicle at an unbelievable speed while I was getting onto the highway. On the ramp! It would not have happened 15 years ago when the drivers where smiling and waving at each other. Remember, moving to a cool city does not make YOU cool. You are just a wannabe that chases the real cool people. The cool people of Austin are those who made up for lack of resources with the power of ideas. Unfortunately they are all gone. Let me correct myself. We forced them out. I am out of here myself (and I am not that cool). My revenge is to rent my place at an astronomical rate which to subsidize my retirement in a more friendly creative and less corporate town. Farewell
David | Austin, TX