Guess what…
Nathan and I have been keeping a big secret for the past few months, and I’m BEYOND excited to finally be sharing the news with you today. We’re moving back to New York City next year! I can’t believe I’m actually typing out the words. I’m almost in tears as I write this. I’m so excited!! Since I left New York a little over two years ago to move to Austin, NYC has always been on my mind. I’ve always felt as though I left a tiny piece of my heart in the city, that only comes alive whenever I’m there. It sounds silly but it’s true. There’s just something about New York that makes me feel alive.
Over the past two years, I’ve been missing so many of those things. I’ve missed the pulse of the city. I’ve missed being able to walk outside of my apartment to pick up flowers at the local bodega. I’ve missed having my favorite restaurants and coffee shops within steps of my stoop. I’ve missed the hustle, the pace, and the drive that fuels New Yorkers. I’ve missed the energy the ambition and the REALNESS. I’ve missed all my local haunts, including the moody jazz clubs in the village and dimly lit cocktail bars uptown. I miss my favorite pasta in Greenwich and my go-to coffee on 75th. I’ve missed perusing through the many books at The Strand, even though I already know I’m not buying and I just want to browse. Oh, how I’ve missed the city. I honestly have goosebumps knowing we’re about to go back and that this time Nathan and I get to experience life there together.
Why We’re Moving:
I found out a few months ago that my job was planning to open an office in New York, and immediately jumped at the chance to be back in the city! It honestly felt like answered prayers and I literally almost cried when my boss announced it. After talking it over with Nathan, and figuring out next steps, we decided that moving to New York together would be a great opportunity for us to both work on our careers, get a taste of life in the city together, and enjoy all the fun things as a newly married couple before we’re ready to settle down and have children. (I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to having them in NYC though!! ‘Wink Wink’, Nathan. 😘)
When We’re Moving:
We’re currently apartment hunting and looking into flights for the end of the year or early January so we can scout places. We have a few neighborhoods in mind that we’d love to be in, but it all depends on where our offices are located as well! We’re hoping to find a two-bedroom too so we can have all the visitors!!
What I’ll Miss About Austin:
The past two years back in Texas have been wonderful and filled with so many blessings. I’ve loved being able to spend more time with my parents and Nathan’s parents, have my brother in the same city again, and get closer to my Aunt and Uncle and cousins here in Austin. I’ll miss them all so much whenever we move to the city, but I know they’ll only be a short flight away! And… my parents are already talking about helping us move back by taking a cross-country road trip to help get us all settled in. (They’re the cutest!!)
I’ve loved our time in Austin, and it will always be such a special place for us. It’s been home for Nathan and me over the past few years and was the first place we came back to after getting engaged, and the spot where we spent our first few months as newlyweds. I’ll miss my family the most, but I’ll also miss the many hiking trails, Lady Bird Lake views, endless breakfast tacos, and my sweet friends. (We’ll definitely be back to visit!)
What I’ve Learned:
One thing that I’ve learned from having lived in both Austin and NYC over the course of the last 4 years is that no city is perfect. Every city has its pros and cons and each city is unique and beautiful in its own way. Like a great pair of heels, it’s all about finding the right fit for you. Follow your heart to wherever city it might lead you and don’t look back. And always remember that you’re never trapped or tied down to a certain place, and you can always make a change! And DON’T EVER think that your dream city or dream location to call home is impossible or out of reach. If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.
I’m so excited to take you on this journey with us while we make plans to move to New York City in the next few months. I’m looking forward to sharing everything with you, and having you follow along.
Here’s to new beginnings in my favorite city!
photography by Sylvie Rosokoff, Laurel Creative, & Madeline Harper.
