Breaking up is hard to do
So, BIG news.
We are moving out of Manhattan.
Yes, we are THAT couple. The one who has a baby and then flees to the suburbs. My "cool" factor was already lower than most humans and now it is hovering in dangerous territory.
This decision was not made lightly. There was much thought and consideration and many conversations.
Here's a list of reasons we are leaving Manhattan:
1) We can't afford to live here anymore. We were already struggling financially and we found out that between rent and parking our expenses were going to go up about $1,000 a month next year. As much as I enjoy sleeping with strangers I do not enjoy standing on a street corner when it is cold or raining, so the obvious solution was; MOVE SOMEWHERE CHEAPER. (And sleep with strangers for free.)
2) We don't take advantage of what this city has to offer therefore making the higher prices we pay for everything even more ridiculous.
We're vegetarian and I'm the pickiest eater on the planet, so we aren't sampling all of the amazing restaurants in Manhattan. We can't afford to go to concerts and shows. And we aren't the bar/club types.
3) Our neighborhood is isolating.
We live on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The nearest subway stop is about a 20 minute walk from us. Central park is about a half an hour walk away. We hardly travel outside our neighborhood and as much as I love the neighborhood feel of the Upper East Side most of the interesting stuff in the city is NOT UP HERE. I might feel differently if we lived in a different neighborhood. And we certainly can't drive anywhere in the city because there are approximately 700 parking spaces for 7,000 cars in this city.
4) Dexter hardly ever gets to go to the park. Like I said above, we live about a half an hour from Central Park. Dogs are only allowed off the leash there before 9 am. Willa doesn't wake up until about 8am. Plus, if it's warm out, by the time we get there Dexter is already worn out. There is a dog run about a half a mile from us, but it is basically just a slab of cement fenced in. We bring Dexter there and he just stands there and stares at us like "You expect me to run around ON THIS?" Whenever we drive out to the suburbs and he sees grass he immediately throws his body onto it and rolls around like I do when I see a pile of money. This breaks my heart.
5) When I was young the city was fun and exciting. Now that I'm old and crotchety the city has become annoying. All the PEOPLE. SO MANY PEOPLE. YES, YES THE BUILDINGS ARE REALLY TALL NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY. And the SMELLS. And the NOISE. I'm sick of all of it.
6) Then there are the MANY MANY inconveniences. Not being able to buy more groceries than you can carry. Having to walk Dexter in the rain and snow and having to pay someone to walk him on nights that my husband is working. The elevators never working. NO TARGET. The list goes on and on.
Here's a list of reasons why we are so excited to be moving:
1) Our new place is AWESOME. It's not fancy. No granite or crown moldings, BUT there's 300 square feet more than we have now! And a second bathroom! (We can poop in unison!) And a basement! (Storage!) And OUR OWN WASHER AND DRYER! AND A GARAGE! And street parking! And- I don't know if you can handle this- A BACKYARD! (Fenced in!)
2) We will be living within walking distance of the train. NO JOKE- it will actually take us less time to get to Grand Central Station from the new place than from where we live now.
3) We will also be living within walking distance of our new awesome quaint little town.
4) I get to garden! I can't wait!
5) When we want to go outside we just open the door AND STEP OUTSIDE. Going outside will no longer be a huge production. Also, if it's raining or snowing or the husband is working I can just open the door and let Dexter out in the backyard.
6) There are two great parks where everyone takes their dogs within a five minute drive from our new place. There's also a nature preserve a few minutes away.
7) Trees. Grass. Flowers. FRESH AIR. Ahhhhhh.
8) Two words: KIDDIE POOL.
9) No elevators.
10) We are a ten minute drive from Whole Foods, Target!, and MANY other stores.
Now don't get me wrong- I'm terrified. Manhattan is my home.
When we had to move out of Manhattan when I was 14 I was devastated. I was obsessed with living in Manhattan. When I finally got to move back here 4 years ago I was elated. But, now I'm realizing that I'm not 14 anymore and I want different things. There are definitely things I will miss about Manhattan. There are days when we walk through Central Park and go to a cafe and I'm in love with this city. But, most days I'm just annoyed. When I see Willa's reaction when she sees plants, and birds, and butterflies, I know I'm making the right decision.
So Manhattan, it's not you, IT'S ME.
Comments
Can't say I blame you. I've never lived in a downtown big city area but I always thought it would be great and now that I'm this suburban mom driving a freakin' minivan I daydream about living downtown...without kids though!
Posted by: Mainline Mom | March 5, 2008 09:06 PM
Don't forget that you'll be closer to me and that I will come visit.
Welcome!
Posted by: Heather B. | March 5, 2008 09:19 PM
Congrats on the new home!
Posted by: M&Co. | March 5, 2008 10:05 PM
This seems like a really fantastic thing for you guys! Congrats.
Posted by: Colleen | March 5, 2008 10:14 PM
Wow! Sounds like a great move. Congratulations...
Posted by: Sara | March 5, 2008 10:19 PM
I think that is wonderful! Sounds like it will be perfect for you guys. Yay!
Posted by: Keely | March 5, 2008 10:51 PM
I have lived almost my entire 30 years in big cities all over the world and I would love love, LOVE to buy a house, get a puppy, plant a garden, park in the driveway, buy more than a week's worth of groceries, step outside wearing just pjs and slippers with a hot cup of tea in the morning... But I don't because I'm a single girl and that would just be silly. So I'm a teeny weeny bit jealous of your decision. I'd love to see some photos of your new space.
Posted by: Moshizzle | March 6, 2008 12:09 AM
I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations!!
Is the kiddie pool for Willa or Dexter? WHAT? My Dog has a kiddie pool. Don't judge.
Posted by: The Q | March 6, 2008 01:05 AM
I would HATE to live in the city personally. Sounds like you found a great place. :)
Posted by: Jenn | March 6, 2008 01:27 AM
Welcome to the 'burbs. Sounds like a hard decision, but the right one, IMHO. Willa will probably not understand when she is older, but, ahh- the joy of being able to GROW YOUR OWN VEGIES! And sit on the back verandah in your dressing gown and drink a coffee whilst watching your offspring enjoy nature.
It's not like you're moving to, let's just say, Tasmania.
Posted by: jen | March 6, 2008 02:14 AM
Congratulations on the new home!!!
I think this sounds like fabulous news. There are good reasons people become "that couple" with a baby, and you've got even more reasons than that. Sounds also like you're still close enough to be able to go into the city whenever you want, so you'll still have those advantages without all the hassles.
A yard! I hope we get to see some pictures. :-)
Posted by: Sarah | March 6, 2008 07:45 AM
Sounds a bit like heaven actually. Congrats on finding the perfect place to lay down some roots. Click your heels, there's no place like having some dirt to call your own.
You're all going to blossom.
Posted by: SayYesh | March 6, 2008 09:42 AM
Oh, sure, you say it's not me. But it's me.
Hey, I tried. But YOU try maintaining your "character" with bums pissing on the walls of your buildings and eight billion United Nations diplomats double-parking their limos so the cousin of some tin-pot African dictator can enjoy a night at an all-you-can-eat titty bar.
It ain't easy bein' me, is all I'm saying.
But hey, you go on and run off to Target. I'll be right here. And when Willa is old enough, and Dr. J gets offered Head of Brain and Toenail Surgery at one of the big hospitals here, you'll come crawling back.
When you do, don't wear your best jeans. There is a LOT of piss on the sidewalk.
Posted by: Manhattan | March 6, 2008 09:57 AM
Sounds awesome!
Posted by: Carrie | March 6, 2008 09:59 AM
I've always thought the middle of a city was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I'm excited for your move. It's the best for Willa, best for Dexter, and - given your love for Manhattan - it's a wonderfully generous parenting decision.
Plus, hey - has to be more room when I come to visit!
Posted by: Nils | March 6, 2008 10:00 AM
I love that you count 'pooping in unison' as a plus for your new place. That is SO something we would think too! :)
Congrats and good luck on the move! I can't imagine having a baby and a dog in the city. It's a pain enough in the 'burbs dragging Maggie around!
Posted by: Jen | March 6, 2008 10:23 AM
Moving away from me is one thing. But please do not start hating on the upper east side!
Posted by: Jonathan | March 6, 2008 12:10 PM
@Jonathan- I would love the Upper East Side a whole lot more if I actually had MONEY.
Posted by: Torrie | March 6, 2008 12:13 PM
I couldn't agree with you more. Ever since my son was born, my beloved city (Chicago) has become a huge pain in the ass. The noise and energy that I once loved are now just Things That Wake Up My Baby.
Congrats on your new home!
Posted by: uppahand | March 6, 2008 02:20 PM
Sounds like a great plan. Priorities change and there is nothing wrong with that.
My empty nest parents moved back into the city centre from a suburban house to a two bedroom apartment and LOVE IT!
Who knows-you may go back one day.
Posted by: von Krankipantzen | March 6, 2008 03:34 PM
OMG and WOW!!! So excited for all of you and I can't wait to see the pics you take of the new community!
Posted by: Duchess | March 6, 2008 05:06 PM
My first reaction - Oh Noooooooooooooeeessssss!
I was gonna come visit you in July! :(
But, as I read, I Totally get what you're saying. All those things you're looking forward to - I was the same when we moved to RI from San Fran. And even the last move from an apt. to our own house. There is lots to be thankful for that previously I'd taken for granted. Having the mailed delivered rightoutsidemyowndoor, i can have as MANY pets as i want (current count 8), driveway parking, filling the Vue to the gills and being able to unload it directly to the house, being in a neighborhood VERYCLOSE to Borders, Starbucks, Whole Foods, etc ANNNNDDDD a Target to open soon!, and yes, the yard - it went from a muddy patch to a little slice of Eden with lots of 'elbow grease' as my mom would say - but i enjoyed Every minute of it!
Congrats on this next step... Your whole life will change, and that makes me happy for you.
(how far exactly is it from midtown? wondering if a visit might still work out??)
{{hugs}} and Cheers!
diana
Posted by: Diana | March 6, 2008 06:15 PM
That's fantastic!!!
However, I am still stuck no the no Target. I'm sorry - I don't understand that language.
Posted by: southernfriedgirl | March 6, 2008 09:17 PM
Congrats. Moving is never easy and it appears you have weighed the pros and cons well.
I hope you are very happy with your new home.
Posted by: Tanya | March 7, 2008 01:41 AM
oh, i can practically HEAR your voice getting happier and happier with this post, and your heart getting lighter and lighter.
this will be so awesome for you guys. congrats!
Posted by: Sarcomical | March 7, 2008 05:08 AM
I am very excited for you guys! This will be great!!!
Posted by: Farrell | March 7, 2008 07:53 AM
The suburbs are awesome! You will love it. Especially the part about just walking out the door into a nice yard and letting Dexter roam around out back. Gardening! Extra toilets! Target! Whole Foods! Yea!
Posted by: Allison | March 7, 2008 12:13 PM
Congratulations! I hope the move goes as smoothly as possible.
Posted by: Amber | March 7, 2008 01:09 PM
I think that is wonderful news...especially for your doggie. Congratulations!
Posted by: Rose | March 8, 2008 07:34 AM
It sounds like the best of both worlds, especially since it sounds like it is only a quick train ride to get to a taste of the old neighborhood.
Posted by: Neil | March 9, 2008 01:18 AM
sounds like a great decision - no regrets!
Posted by: J-Le | March 9, 2008 07:22 AM
This sounds awesome, Torrie! Sure, the city is great, but we all grow up, and our needs and desires change. At least you will still be close to city life without actually being in the midst of it. And the fact that you get a backyard, and a basement? I am so jealous! I know you guys will LOVE it! Congrats!
Posted by: Snickrsnack Katie | March 9, 2008 11:57 PM
CONGRATS ON YOUR UPCOMING MOVE! I'm certain the move will do wonders for you lil' fam! YAY!
Posted by: Annejelynn | March 16, 2008 03:56 PM