News Summary
After spending over two decades in Washington, D.C., a family has returned to the New York suburbs, motivated by a desire to strengthen family ties and community connections post-pandemic. Their experiences during the pandemic led them to prioritize familial bonds, resulting in a move that has enhanced their children’s upbringing and revived cherished traditions. As they embrace a more community-oriented lifestyle, the family finds renewed opportunities for connection and personal growth.
Washington, D.C. – A family that spent two decades in the heart of Washington, D.C. has relocated back to the suburbs of New York, driven by a renewed emphasis on family connections following a pandemic-influenced reevaluation of their lives. This move comes as the family experiences a significant transition, with one child in college and another having graduated high school, sparking the decision to prioritize their ties to relatives and community.
For over twenty years, the family resided in Kenwood, an affluent neighborhood in the Maryland suburbs. They had built a life there, including education, marriage, and the raising of a blended family. The picturesque surroundings of Kenwood, however, became overshadowed by a sense of isolation during the pandemic. As social gatherings transitioned to virtual platforms like Zoom, the family felt increasingly distanced from loved ones.
By 2023, with a growing need to reconnect with family and roots, they made the significant decision to move back to their hometown in New York, where most of the author’s relatives live within a convenient ten-mile radius. This change not only transformed their children’s childhood experiences but also reshaped the author’s definition of home. The move was motivated by logistical considerations as well, leading to easier access to recreational activities without the long commutes that characterized their life in D.C.
In the New York suburbs, nearly everything, from stores to schools, is located within a square mile. The family now enjoys walking and biking to the same elementary school the author attended, creating a sense of nostalgia and continuity. Their weekends have shifted from long travel times to more leisure and family-oriented activities, including visits to local stores, the farmers market, swimming at a yacht club, and playtime at community parks.
While the move meant leaving behind established friendships and community ties in Washington, D.C., it also inspired personal growth and newfound connections in New York. The family discovered a fresh sense of community, as many other families have also migrated back post-pandemic. This resurgence has led to increased opportunities for connection and social interactions. The author joined a local book club which facilitated new friendships, and their children quickly found peers among local kids.
Strong community ties have emerged through interactions with local shopkeepers, involvement in the PTA, and participation in communal family outings. Frequent family interactions became a regular part of their lives, especially since the author’s parents now live nearby and actively participate in the children’s lives. The family has revived cherished traditions, such as Sunday dinners, which were integral to the author’s childhood.
The decision to move was not without its challenges. The family faced the emotional burden of leaving behind cherished friendships in D.C. However, they eventually recognized that the new community environment allowed them to prioritize what they valued most—connection and family. In 2024, the decision to expand their family further solidified as they welcomed a third child, a testament to their revitalized focus on family and relationships.
Overall, the relocation represented more than just a change of address for the family. It was a rediscovery of their priorities, ultimately aligning their lifestyle with a focus on what truly matters for their children’s futures. The family’s experience serves as a reminder of the essential role that family connections and community play in defining one’s home and overall happiness.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
