Last weekend, we went up to my dad’s house in New Hampshire for two days of R&R. It’s a 5 hour drive so we spend a good chunk of the weekend driving every time we visit. Yet we still go home at the very least once a month if not more.
A big part of that is spending time with my family and seeing my 3 year old brother, Jackson. Come on, how can you stay away from such a cutie pie?
Another big reason that we visit so often is the feeling of peace and quiet that we can only feel when we’re outside of this concrete jungle. I talk a lot here and on Instagram about how I feel anxious and claustrophobic in New York with it’s constant clamor, “interesting” smells, crowded subways, and tiny apartments.
When I first moved here, I was bright eyed and enamored by the skyline, the late-night bars (and pizza!), the fancy people, and the hustle and bustle. Now? I’m over it. Every time we drive back to the city from a weekend trip, my body tenses up and my eyes start to fill with tears as soon as I see the skyscrapers in the distance.
I think that’s a sign that it’s time to peace out, don’t you think? Manhattan has been an amazing experience. In the last 6 years, I’ve worked for 3 incredible companies, building a career in marketing. I met my husband at the 2nd of those 3 companies and that’s worked out pretty well! I’ve made wonderful friends, started a business, collaborated with some of my favorite brands, and eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world (OMG should I stop this humble brag already?).
I’m finding that a lot of friends my age (late 20’s/early 30’s) are starting to dabble with the question of, “Where do I want to raise my family?”, which might not be the same place where we moved right out of college 7 years ago. It’s like a second quarter life crisis but with a lot less crying and a whole lot more rational thinking!
I feel so blessed to have been able to live in New York for so long but our rational thinking has lead us to believe that the time has come to starting to look for homes in the ‘burbs. I can’t wait to share the process with you all and take this next step in life!
So exciting and I can totally relate! Sometimes the ‘burbs can be the best of both worlds. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I moved out of NYC when I was 29. I miss living there terribly and it was a hard adjustment at first. But it is better that we are in the ‘burbs for our daughter. I don’t have to find a park for her to run around or ride her bike. She can play right in our driveway or backyard! Good luck with your house hunt!
We have a bunch of friends in NYC who’ve been threatening to move to Maine lately for many of the same reasons you mentioned. Wherever you guys land, a city and all it’s glorious aromas (subway vents, anyone?) will likely not be too far for frequent visits.
Good luck with The ‘Burbs hunt!
(Best 80s movie ever, btw – “Pizza Dude’s Here!”)
Cheers!
-Michele
The Salty Hanger
Congrats on your new decision! I grew up in the ‘burbs, and while I love (LOVE) the city, I’ve always known that it’s not my “forever” home. I see myself making a similar choice to yours down the line.
I resonate with your feelings. I felt the same way after 4 years of Los Angeles. It’s been 9 months since I left la-la-land and I’ve wrangled with emotions of transition and a little bit of “FOMO” leaving all the busy of city life. More and more I’m learning to slow down, love this new pace and finding ways to bring what I loved from the east coast and the west coast to where I am now (the midwest).
Also – it’s pretty amazing to have a gorgeous, brand new home with a mortgage that’s less than I’ve paid in rent in the last 7 years!!
I’m totally worried about the FOMO aspect which is the only thing that’s holding me back… I’m glad to hear about your experience and can’t WAIT to have a house and not hemorrhage money for NYC rent prices 🙂
Amen!! I’ve been toying with the idea of moving too and thinking a lot about how city life can defeat you in many ways after some time. It’s incredible to look at what we’ve all accomplished after moving to the big city with big dreams… but sometimes that southern girl creeps back in and says “i want some trees in my life!” 😉
YAY!!!! 🙂 You know I am so excited about this xoxo
Wait till I get to spend some QT with you in NYC first!
NO.
I’m with Grace. You know, they don’t have SoulCycle in the ‘burbs… Just sayin’.
Haha, but really, love you and like I told Anel, I already called dibs on the couch for all future suburb shenanigans.)
Remember the song Disturbia by Rihanna? SUBURBIAAAAAAA
There’s a SC in Greenwich. Would never move without it!!!
I’m putting dibs on a guest bedroom. Will bring bagels and dairy-free cream cheese.
So very exciting!! We are in this exact same stage in life and completely understand the internal struggle. At the end of the day, we are true believers that a little R&R goes a long way. Best of luck on your new adventure! Can’t wait to see the beautiful home you guys pick out… Know you will style it just perfectly. xo
Second & thirding Grace & Hallie…but I get where you’re coming from (right now, I love my trips away & need one every few months for sanity’s sake, but I still get excited to come back. Talk to me again in three more years, ha!). You’ll be missed but at least you won’t be far, and then I’ll have to get my sanity break out by you instead 🙂
I can totally relate! I’ve lived in a city ever since I moved away from home for school, and I was starting to feel a little exhausted with tiny apartments, expensive rent, etc.
Now (and somewhat unexpectedly) my boyfriend and I are moving to Iowa (?!) for his grad school program and I’m both excited and terrified to take a break from the city.
Here’s to new adventures!
Congratulations!!! I hope you’ll still be nearby so I can see you at more events 🙂
TAKE ME WITH YOU.
No.
Definitely NO.
Such an exciting life decision! LOVE your outfit in the first pic… just makes me realize my dire need for a white blazer!
Classy Chic & Chardonnay
http://ceislin.com
me too me too me too!
That’s so exciting, congrats!! My parents were born and raised in Manhattan, but once they had kids they knew it was time to leave. The burbs are a great place to live, and the city will always be there for you to visit 🙂 Happy house hunting!
booksbeautyandbars.blogspot.com
So exciting! These are great pictures!
Haley
haleyvalerie.com
So exciting – congratulations to you both! Wishing you the best of luck in finding the perfect place!
Congrats!! I’m so glad to find someone with the same feelings on NYC as me. I moved here for college 7 years ago and now I’m kinda over it and ready for my next adventure. Happy hunting for the new place!!
“When I first moved here, I was bright eyed and enamored by the skyline, the late-night bars (and pizza!), the fancy people, and the hustle and bustle. Now? I’m over it. Every time we drive back to the city from a weekend trip, my body tenses up and my eyes start to fill with tears as soon as I see the skyscrapers in the distance.”
THIS. I graduated from NYU in 2011 and as much as I still LOVE the city, by the time I graduated I knew it was time for the bittersweet goodbye. Congratulations on your decision- I can’t wait to follow along in the suburbs!
http://www.gabsessions.com
We just got back from a week in Maine, and I understand where you’re coming from more than ever. NYC can be an amazing place to live, and we’re so lucky to be able to spend time here as young adults. That said, it’s also overwhelming and noisy and smelly…and not the best for stress. While I’m sad we didn’t have a chance to get to know each other better while you were here, I give you so much credit for making the decision that you know is right for you, and I can’t wait to follow your adventures!
xo
Sam
This is a very interesting article. The information is well researched and highly
informative. I love the way the tpics are choosen. They are so useful in our
day to day life.See more at CheapChineseherbs
So very exciting!! We are in this exact same stage in life and completely understand the internal struggle. Best of luck on your new adventure! Can’t wait to see the beautiful home you guys.pick out… Know you will style it just perfectly. click here,love you post.