OFB + NYC


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NYC

There are very few certainties in life, but one thing I was completely certain of was that we would never live in New York City again. We loved our time in the city when we lived there in 2010-2011, but we were so young and carefree back then! We’d never again trade the convenience of cars, cheap grocery stores, and space… right? And then Johnny told me that his company was transferring him to NYC.

Butttt we have a toddler and a second child on the way! NYC is just out of the question… isn’t it? We both thought so. But life is full of surprises, and this is certainly one of them! I’ve mentioned that Johnny’s been traveling a lot for work lately, and rather than continuing to fly to New York every few weeks, his company decided it’d be easier to just call NYC home base. So we will be NYC residents once again! We’re both excited and understandably a little apprehensive about doing the whole city thing again, but this time with a child (and another growing one) in tow.

So while we greeted the news with mixed emotions, we’re mostly excited for this next chapter of our lives. We found ways to save money while living in the city the first time, and you better believe we’re still just as determined to do it again.

There are lots of unknowns with this move, but one thing is certain: we’ll have a lot of fresh new food for thought on OFB. We’ll keep you updated on the details of our NYC life on a budget, the realities of saving money in a big city, and all the other changes this move is sure to bring. Wish us luck as we attempt life in The Big Apple: Part II!

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21 Comments

  • Reply Yvann November 25, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Ooooh exciting to be moving again (though you guys move all the time! You must be a) tired of it and b) pros at it by now!). Looking forward to what you have to say about life in the big city. I visit NYC for a week every year for work so might even get a chance to catch up!

  • Reply Even Steven November 25, 2014 at 9:36 am

    If you can make it in NYC with 2 kids you can make it anywhere, that’s how that goes right!

  • Reply Ms. Mintly @ MintlyBlog November 25, 2014 at 11:41 am

    That’s amazing! I look forward to hearing how everything changes for you guys!

  • Reply Laura @ Rather Square November 25, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    Wow, big news! Do you think you’ll live in the city itself, an outer borough, or the suburbs? Or New Jersey? Good luck!

  • Reply Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog November 25, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    How exciting! Let’s hope that your move back isn’t as eventful as your move away was the first time. Hopefully no more moving van incidents shall befall you. Exciting to see how you guys handle all of the new challenges/adventures! Until then I’ll be vicariously living through that gorgeous picture…

  • Reply Tarynkay November 25, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    So exciting! I always thought it would be lots of fun to have babies in NYC. And hey, maybe now you won’t need to worry about a minivan! Though I guess that makes the stroller a much more important decision.

    • Reply Joanna December 12, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      Yes! The stroller decision is a BIG one now… I’m totally stressing about making sure we choose the best one, while still keeping within a reasonable price range. Lots of research still to be done!

  • Reply Newlyweds on a Budget November 25, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    you guys move so much!! Excited to read about the future

  • Reply Kathleen November 25, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    I have been following you guys on each move! Can’t wait to read more!

  • Reply Rob November 25, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    Wow! You folks never cease to amaze me with your full lives, travelling as much as you do! Well Joanna, I guess you and Johnny will soon be going on hikes through Central Park (although I wasn’t sure that this was exactly what Johnny was referring to in his plans for future hikes, as mentioned in his last blog post). 🙂

    • Reply Joanna December 12, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Ha! Well, CP is big enough to hike in, that’s for sure. We’re excited to get away on the weekends once the weather warms up and do some hiking in upstate NY, Connecticut, etc. No matter where we live, our hiking can’t be stopped!

  • Reply Brittany @ Fun on a Budget Blog November 26, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    Ain’t life funny? It might even be a completely different experience this time around just because of your life experiences! Kudos to you guys for making the most of what life throws at you–it’s so much better to live that way. A new adventure 🙂

  • Reply Jessica November 26, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    Exciting! Can’t wait to hear your tips and experiences. Congratulations!

  • Reply Melanie @ My Alternate Life November 27, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    I’m jealous! Although it will be tough with 2 kids I’m sure, but you guys will make it work! I’ve been following along too — is this the third move since the blog started?

    • Reply Joanna December 12, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      I guess it’s only the second move, but it feels like the 50th! Moving is the worst. So glad it’s over and we’re mostly settled in!

  • Reply Megan @ Megan And Eggs November 28, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    I can’t wait to read about frugal living in the City. Being for CT originally NYC is like a second home to me but when I think of spending the day in the city I always think of spending money. You guys have a lot of exciting things happening right now. Good luck!

  • Reply Little House November 28, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    OMG! How exciting! I have a little bit of NYC in my heart as well. My family lives there and I visit them about once every 18-months or so. I grew up in Los Angeles, but my dad, sister, brother, and step-brother still inhabit Manhattan or thereabouts. My brother actually just bought a house in New Jersey and commutes to NYC, though he’s lucky he can work from home when he feels like it. Can’t wait to read about your adventures there!

  • Reply Wade November 29, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    Very exciting news. I hope the transfer comes with a good cost of living adjustment to his salary. If it is the same salary I’d have to think long and hard about such a move.

    Good luck and keep us posted.

  • Reply Tara @ Streets Ahead Living December 2, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    That’ll be a nice change. I saw your later post about moving on the upper west side… you’ll be in a great neighborhood.

    There’s still cheap shopping for groceries to be had if you take the subway to the Costco in Harlem and then rent a Zipcar to take it all home. I actually saw they just built this amazingly large international grocery store in Long Island City which isn’t too bad of a drive from the UWS if the prices are right.

    I’ve actually left Brooklyn this month for the Philly area… After 7 years I was ready for the convenience of driving everywhere and space–but also my husband and my salary weren’t enough to justify staying, hence our departure. We’d have stayed if we could have on our salaries!

    Lastly, public schools in NYC have definitely improved over the years, although don’t rule out the Catholic primary schools (which although practice Catholicism, are open to people of all faiths)–often tuition is affordable due to them being subsidized by the Archdiocese.

    • Reply Joanna December 12, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks for the tips! It was a big decision as to whether we wanted to live on the island or live in the suburbs. In the end, the city is all we know, so we’re here for now. Although, I do miss the space and having a car already! And don’t worry… we’ve already made our first Costco run. Thank goodness for that place!

  • Reply Michelle December 7, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    WOW! That’s a huge change but you’re up for it.

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