News Summary
After two decades in Washington, D.C., a family relocates back to suburban New York, drawn by the need for closer family ties during the pandemic. This move fosters community connections, family traditions, and a redefined understanding of home for their children as they enjoy a more compact, engaging lifestyle.
New York – A family has recently moved back to their hometown in suburban New York after spending two decades in Washington, D.C. The decision to relocate was primarily prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, which underscored the need for closer family connections and real-life relationships. By 2023, the family opted to be nearer to the author’s relatives, all residing within a 10-mile radius.
The family’s suburban home was previously located in Kenwood, Maryland, an area they described as idyllic. However, the author felt that living in D.C. distanced them from extended family, something that became increasingly evident during the pandemic. Now, the move is perceived as a journey back to their roots, significantly reshaping their children’s childhood experiences and the author’s concept of home.
Life in Washington, D.C. often revolved around driving across Montgomery County and the city to participate in various activities. In contrast, the new life in New York offers a more compact environment where everything, including school, temple, friends, extracurricular activities, and local beaches, is accessible within a square mile. The family now enjoys walking or biking to the same elementary school the author attended as a child.
Weekends have taken on a new meaning for the family as they now focus on relaxation and family activities. Their leisure time includes walking to town for breakfast, exploring the local farmers market, swimming at the yacht club, and climbing at parks in their vicinity. Despite leaving behind steady friendships from their years in D.C., this move has granted them a fresh start and a chance to build new relationships.
The environment in New York, where many families have relocated post-pandemic, fosters a sense of openness and community connection. The author and her husband have found it easy to make new friends and actively take part in community engagements like book clubs and the local PTA.
Relationships in their new setting have felt broader, warmer, and more genuine compared to their lives in Washington, D.C. Family members have become intricately woven into their daily lives; with the author’s mother operating a chocolate shop just a block from the school, visits from the author’s father and stepmother are frequent, and playdates with the author’s sister’s children are regular occurrences.
The family has also initiated a tradition of hosting Sunday dinners, reminiscent of her childhood, helping to fortify relationships with extended family members. This strong support network provided the couple with the confidence to grow their family, as they welcomed a third child in 2024.
While leaving the vibrant social scene of D.C. was challenging due to cherished friendships and community, the rewards of moving allowed them to embrace their values of togetherness and community connection. This transition has redefined their perception of what home truly means, highlighting the importance of family in shaping their children’s futures.
The author concludes that transformative relocations can sometimes mean returning to what matters most rather than starting anew, emphasizing the deep ties to family and home that enrich their lives in profound ways.
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Additional Resources
- Business Insider: Moving Back to Hometown
- Wikipedia: Relocation
- Investment News: RIA Moves to Washington D.C.
- Google Search: Housing Trends Post-Pandemic
- Business Insider: Moving for Support
- Google Scholar: Family Relocation Impact
- WJLA: Family Issues with Infestation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Family Support Networks
- BBC News: Family Movements
- Google News: Community Relationships
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.
