Raising a Family in New York City: Why We Chose This Life
We recently bought a home in New York City. On the way to closing, I found myself thinking about why we chose to raise our children here—and what I hope they carry with them from growing up in this city.
A city that makes the world feel close
On the way to school, our children hear different languages. At the playground, they meet families with all kinds of backgrounds and perspectives. That everyday mix has become part of how they understand the world: people can see things differently and still share a neighborhood, a classroom, a friendship.
There is always somewhere new to discover
A walk can turn into an afternoon in a museum, a bike ride, a visit to a different neighborhood or a long stretch of time in Central Park. The city gives us many ways to spend a day together, often without needing to plan very far ahead.
Room to follow a curiosity
When a child becomes interested in music, chess, dance or art, there are places to explore that interest. I love that our children can try something, meet people who care about it and decide for themselves whether they want to keep going.
The city can be a starting point, not a boundary
When we want a change of pace, beaches, farms, hiking trails and apple orchards are close enough for a weekend away. We can enjoy the energy of the city and still make room for quieter days outside it.
Growing up around possibility
New York is full of people making things, building businesses, creating art and pursuing ideas. Our children see many different paths up close. I hope that helps them stay curious about the world and feel confident choosing a direction of their own.
Finding the right home for your family
City life is not one-size-fits-all. The right home depends on the routines and rhythms that matter to your household—where you spend your days, how you like to get around and what helps you feel settled. For us, choosing a home here was also choosing the kind of everyday life we wanted our children to have.