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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We did a similar move with slightly younger kids right before the pandemic. We didn’t have a choice, though - I was laid off, but had to leave the area to get work bc of a non-compete that was still enforced.

Prior to the move we made (together) 300K and we don’t have family money to supplement. We lived in a DMV suburb (but not a particularly nice one) & kids were in public school - not great schools and the kids weren’t super happy.

We moved at 450K, and then I changed jobs again so we are at 600K (combined) now.

It feels like we are at about the same standard of living with regard to vacations, clothes, etc. But I guess we aren’t really at the same level at all since we rent a 1200 sf 3 br apartment on the UES. No house, relatively tiny, no yard, kids are still in public school (District 2 in NYC has really excellent public schools). It’s a very different way of life, and it is difficult to make a 1:1 comparison.

It has worked out well for us (knock on wood). The kids love public school - they aren’t sporty or really good looking or “popular”, and NYC is far, far more accepting of kids who are artistic or just different as compared to the DMV. Kids here are expected to be very independent - in 6th grade they start taking the subway to school by themselves, and the kids leave school grounds to eat lunch 8 times a month (“out lunch”). The kids organize their own social schedule and go to friends’ apartments by themselves - don’t need parents to drive them anywhere. They absolutely love the freedom, and feel bad for their friends back in Maryland.

I also never liked the suburbs, never felt comfortable socially with the other moms, am not “house proud,” and I hated yard work.
All of these “problems” are solved by NYC living. Our family also feels closer - in part because you can’t retreat to your own corner of a big house - everyone is pretty much up in each others face all the time - you’ve got to be really really mad to stomp out of the apartment and take the elevator 15 floors to wander around outside in 25 degree weather!

So, just be sure that you are ready for the lifestyle change OR a really long commute. It’s not possible to recreate a suburban lifestyle if you live in NYC proper. But that was not our goal, and I’m not entirely sure if that is your goal. With regard to the NYC suburbs, I don’t really know much about living in westchester or NJ, so I can’t comment meaningfully. But if your family wants a “reset” and suburban living is not your thing, then moving to the city for not THAT much more money might be worth it.[/quote]

Problem is you rent. For many of us, that’s not a good financial plan. NY rents increase significantly and you don’t have a paid off house in retirement.

I know plenty of families in NY renting and they are behind financially due to renting.  If you can rent an inexpensive apartment in NY like you can in your 20s, that’s great.  But my guess is you’re spending a good 5-7k minimum a month on a three bedroom without anything to show for it.  [/quote]

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