- In my 20s, I thrived in NYC, enjoying the vibe of small apartments and outgoing nightlife.
- As I prepared to start my 30s, I made the big move to the suburbs of Greenwich with my fiancé.
- Even though it’s an easy commute to The Big Apple, I cherish every moment of my new life in this beautiful coastal town.
At 22 years old, I had my heart set on ambitious dreams.
Having just graduated, I envisioned myself writing for esteemed magazines, fully immersing myself in luxury-filled Manhattan while living in a trendy loft, fit for characters like Carrie Bradshaw.
But let’s be real—my apartment was more like a stylish “shoebox” with its gally kitchen and nearly nonexistent closet space. It was ridiculously tiny, occasionally perfumed with scents wafting through the walls, yet I still found it charming.
While navigating my 20s, I ultimately built that vibrant life I dreamed about; think boozy brunches, rooftop parties, and chic coffee dates that felt like scenes straight from “Gossip Girl.”
As I approached 30, a pivotal chapter unfolded: I moved in with my dream guy, he popped the question, and wedding planning took off!
Beautiful registry gifts arrived, but sadly, we had little room to enjoy them. We felt utterly overwhelmed by our pint-sized apartment, the packed subway rides, and looming rent hikes.
Suddenly, this soon-to-be bride found herself daydreaming about expansive walk-in closets and sunlit evenings dancing barefoot on lush lawns (hello, grass!) instead of busy streets filled with traffic and commotion.
Dreams of hydrangea bushes, cozy guest bedrooms, and languid weekends sipping coffee on a porch flooded my mind.
It was clear: it was the right moment to bid farewell to my 20s and welcome a new era reminiscent of a charming Nancy Meyers film.
Our Search for a Suburban Home in Connecticut
We eventually set out on a journey to Greenwich, Connecticut to be closer to family. This lovely coastal town, perched on the Long Island Sound, offers irresistible charm.
Imagine tree-draped streets lined with quaint New England homes donning flower boxes, delightful little nooks filled with vintage finds, and boutiques bursting with sweet linen outfits.
Plus, at just 40 minutes on the train from NYC, it’s a straightforward commute for my partner, who still needs to be in the city for work.
Navigating through a bustling housing market, high prices, and rising mortgage rates wasn’t easy. Our date nights turned into real estate marathons, endlessly scrolling through Zillow listings. With ever phone call from our agente? we’d catch the next train to check out potential houses.
Three months later, and with hearts full of hope, we struck the deal on our three-bedroom, two-bath fixer-upper in Greenwich.
Leaving behind our memory-laden apartment—where my fiancé proposed added a bittersweet touch to our departure—but the thrill of moving to suburbia was too exciting to resist.
Transforming Our House into a Cozy Home
We dove into a bit of a DIY project to create our own version of a Nancy Meyers film. Instead of starting from scratch, we decided to rejuvenate an older house with ample potential.
Our new abode came with dated features like wall-to-wall carpeting and an old kitchen floor. The roof had its fair share of leaks, and a creaky porch was not inviting.
But we embraced the challenge with open arms.
I held my first hammer in hand and traded shopping trips to Zara for treks to Home Depot.
From tearing down walls and installing new flooring to replacing windows, adding doors, and building a fireplace, we made remarkable progress. After a year, we finally unveiled our beautiful dream kitchen and master bath!
Finding the Joy in Suburban Living Throughout the Seasons
Fast forward two years into our suburban life, I can say I’ve genuinely relished each season in Greenwich, each bringing its own charm.
Spring and summer, or as I call it “patio season,” now means donning Lilly Pulitzer sundresses, enjoying refreshing limoncello spritzers, and gathering with friends. Those sunny days are perfect for garden parties where guests ample room to congregate around our grand dining table!
Lazy weekends here don’t just involve lounging on our porch— with wicker seating and draped over good books as soothing sounds of a nearby brook provide vibrant background music.
When autumn comes, it’s all about carving those adorable jack-o’-lanterns by our cherished firepit, roasting marshmallows, and savoring warm mulled wine.
We look forward to trick-or-treaters now that we’re settled in suburbia, greeting them with freshly placed pumpkins lining the driveway.
During the holiday season, we proudly harvest our own balsam fir—something we finally have space for! Decorating it in all the holiday splendor as nighttime falls around the fire feels absolutely magical.
Hosting festivities during the holiday season is sheer delight! It’s a breeze pulling together beautiful table settings and stunning charcuterie boards, now that I have the room to stow all my special decorations, chargers, and candle holders.
My New Suburban Life—It’s Hard to Look Back
With my very own cutting garden in place, fresh floral arrangements have made a decor transformation while yielding plenty of herbs and tasty tomatoes from my meal preps.
Now that there’s an extra bedroom, I’m thrilled to host friends wanting a weekend refreshing their urban spirits. Nothing fills me with joy more than the extra effort of ensuring they feel welcome—their stay’s perfect with soft towels and lavender soaps awaiting them.
Overall, while I’d never trade my youthful NYC days, my suburban 30s have started on a truly awesome note.
Although I don’t visit the city as much as I once thought I would, I’m cool with it. Living in our own cozy centralized space—fondly nicknamed Hydrangea House—makes leaving hard to comprehend!
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