I’ve been posting here and there about our family, Gordon’s new job, a pending move and what has been happening….cryptically.
If you are a devoted reader (a lot of you are!!), then you will have picked up on these sentences here and there and made a comment or sent me a lovely, inquiring email. I’ve thought about if and when I would post about what is happening and finally decided today is the day! I did want to wait a little longer, but honestly, there’s no reason to drag this out. I KNOW I’m going to keep getting those emails 😉
So hold onto your hats, because here she blows:
Gordon got a job!
In our 2016 Christmas post, I mentioned a little something about Gordon landing his dream job. Well, he did!!
So, what IS his job?
Technically, I can’t tell you what he will be doing (how annoying is that?) BUT!! I can tell you he will be working for the government in a law-enforcement-type roll. You can ask and guess and inquire for more details, but I can’t tell you because this platform of mine is ever-growing. Who knows who will be reading? So we are just trying to keep him safe 🙂
It’s not you, it’s me.
We are moving!
But didn’t you just move to Boise?
YES! We did move to Boise and words can not describe how much we love it here. Like, big puffy heart eyes LOVE LOVE LOVE it here.
But didn’t you buy your dream house in Boise?
YES! We did buy an amazingly perfect home for us in the perfect location for us with the perfect neighbors and friends for us.
But, Gordon got his dream job. As in the job he’s been dreaming about since BEFORE we got married. That’s 10+ years, folks. So, of course we will go wherever this job leads. We would be silly not to.
So, where will this job take you?
Well, it will probably take us lots of places, but for the next few years, this job takes us to…
New York City
Crazy, right? We love our low-key little life in Boise on the quietest street ever. But, we are trading it all in for a different kind of dream. One that means an apartment, busier streets, more adventures, lots of things to explore, more taxes (ew) and diversity galore. Plus, we will be living much closer to my parents which we haven’t been able to do for the past 13 years since I left for college. Out of everyone praying for Gordon to get this job, I think they were praying the hardest!
Where we are at now
So, Gordon has already started on this new career a couple of weeks ago and has left for training last week (I seriously cannot get away from all these darn trainings!! Ahh!!) Once Brooke and Blake are done school for the year, we will pack up (or sell!!) everything we have and head for the city. Our house went up for sale a few days ago and we are hopeful it will sell in time for us to move in the summer. Apparently that’s when the most apartments are available, so hooray for that! But, that also means thats when prices are the highest too.
Please give me all your tips and tricks for finding an apartment in the city! Do we need a realtor? Are the public schools awful? Is the cheaper apartment worth walking up 6 flights?
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!
Seriously, though, any info you got….lay it on me.
And yes, we will live in the CITY, not outside the city and have Gord commute. We just feel that if we live as close to his office as possible, we will see him extra hours in the day! Plus, he used to commute 2 hours a day to get to and from work (when we were in Portland) and he was MISERABLE. So, we will live in a shoebox in the sky and be a happy, close-knit family that spends as much time together as possible.
We are so excited (and nervous and scared) but mostly EXCITED!
Thanks for sharing in our joy!! We love you!!
101 Comments
Joanne
March 27, 2017 at 5:44 pmCongratulations! that will be a big change, and I can definitely relate! I am a Canadian ( Niagara area) girl whose husband got a job in NYC. We have settled in Hoboken NJ, 10 min ferry ride and we LOVE it. You get a bit more for your $$ here but also think it is fun to live in the city. We lasted 2 years with one kid then I found it hard to deal with the subway etc so moved here. Still urban living but just a bit quieter an more space. Happy to help you in any way. Can recommend a great realtor too 🙂 please feel free to reach out, we have been here 14 years already!
Mani
March 27, 2017 at 5:46 pmCongratulations! I am so jealous! We are leaving NYC this summer!
Here’s my advice, get a broker if you can. It’s worth the crazy cost. One bedroom apartments are going to run you about 2300 to 3500 a month depending on location. Get an elevator if you can. Get a doorman if you can. I have tons and tons of advice if you want it!
delia rivera
March 27, 2017 at 6:05 pmno way!!! congratulations!!! close to my hood!!:)
Tammy
March 27, 2017 at 6:23 pmI am so excited for you all. My in-laws love New York, but I myself have not been there. I hear its a pretty awesome place. You will all do well there. Congratulations!
Cher
March 27, 2017 at 6:26 pmI worked for the government for more than 20 years and 5 moves. I would seek out opinions from your husbands coworkers and this list has some great advise too.
Always nerve wracking but fun exploring new places.
Your family seems so special and your sense of humor is the best attitude for meeting new challenges as you have already done.
An aside :My house was only on the market for six days.
mary zurcher
March 27, 2017 at 8:01 pmyou will do great!!! The city is amazing. One of mt favorite things was finding an empty bench with soda in one hand and a warm pretzel in the other and just people watch.
Andrea Heinrichsohn
March 28, 2017 at 12:05 amI join the many, many friends who wish you and Gord all the very best in that huge but exciting city. BUT, does that mean you won’t be sending us lovely ideas for lunch any more???? ( With love, Andrea in Germany.)
With a small flat, I suppose you are having to say goodby to all the friends you have made in the last years. And I myself would NOT go for a flat on the sixth floor or more.
suzanne
March 28, 2017 at 2:52 amYour sense of adventure is inspirational! You might want to check out Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. She lives just outside the city but knows it well as she works on Broadway. Also check out the store, Fish’s Eddy as it looks wonderful! Good luck!!!
Ines
March 28, 2017 at 3:00 amSounds exciting!!! Good luck !!! I follow The Baker Chick blog and she used to live in NYC with 2 kiddos so maybe reach out to her for some advice.
Deb
March 28, 2017 at 3:59 amHow exciting, nervous, scary for you guys! It is so awesome that you are supporting Gordon in his dream! I will pray that all of you make a smooth transition.
Alli H
March 28, 2017 at 7:10 amAwwww, I don’t know why, but this makes me a little sad! It’s almost like I’m moving MY family to the big city. But it’s so awesome to see how excited you are! What an awesome wife you are in doing what it takes to give your husband his dream! Seriously, kudos to you. I wouldn’t be as flexible. God Bless you all!
Judy D.
March 28, 2017 at 9:04 amWow…Congratulations to Gordon on landing his dream job. (I was in law enforcement for 21 years.) That, in itself, is great news. I was born and raised in NYC and miss it tremendously…except for the weather. However, moving from Boise, dealing with cold and snow is not foreign to you. Housing in NYC is VERY expensive as I’m sure you are aware. You’ve probably looked at a map of the city and realize it’s divided into east side and west side, with the street numbers running in numerical order. It’s so easy to get around in town. Are you planning on living on the east or west side? The west side, above Central Park is pretty family-friendly. with lots of housing to chose from. I wish I still lived there…I could be of more help.
I wish you and the family all the happiness in the world. There’s so much to do in the city…I know you guys will learn to love it. It might be “culture shock” at first, but you’ll adjust soon and fall in love with the Big Apple. 🙂
Danielle
March 28, 2017 at 9:11 amHi! I have lived in nyc most of my life, and now I have a 2-year old! I would suggest looking at Peter Cooper Village. It’s very family friendly and the lottery if you make under $250k ends on March 31st! http://www.stpcvta.org/stuyvesant_town_peter_cooper_village_affordable_housing_lottery_process_starts_march_1
Additionally, I run a mom’s group where we meet up 1x a month sans kids and have a great night out! Search “gramercy moms” on fb if interested! Good luck mama!
Danielle
March 28, 2017 at 9:13 amForgot to add that the Public schools are mostly good. Middle school is where you really need to check out attendance, test scores, specialty, etc.
PS40 is a great elementary school and ranks 7th best in ny including private schools.
Virginia Ledford
March 28, 2017 at 12:53 pmBest of Luck to you and your family, moving in the big city is a challenge but Gordon will be happy and you are a great family no matter where you land! Just keep your great recipes coming, my husband and I love them!
Jazz
March 28, 2017 at 4:00 pmCongrats on the move, and Gordon’s great job. Just make sure the apartment ABOVE you is fully carpeted – we once lived (for a short time!) under what sounded like a herd of horses clop clopping 24 hours a day.
Elevator is a must as well, also good security.
Good luck!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:53 pmNever thought of asking about the apartment above me! Ha!! SMART.
Lorraine S
March 28, 2017 at 4:47 pmCongrats Lauren! I have been reading your blog for several years and this is such an exciting new adventure! Have lived in NJ practically my entire life. Short 20-30 min trip on the train and in your in Manhattan. The public schools in North Jersey are some of the best in the nation and could help keep the cost of rent low. My sister has lived in NYC in multiple apartments. The cost of a broker is definitely worth it especially when looking from long distance. I think she used City Habitats and she loves her current apartment in Chelsea. Good luck with your move!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:52 pmThanks for the tips!!
Patricia Barick
March 28, 2017 at 6:29 pmGood luck on your new adventure. Enjoy
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:52 pmThank you!
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Sharon
March 29, 2017 at 1:14 amCongratulations. We just moved from Italy to southern Ba after 5 years living in Napoli. It has been extremely hard adjusting back to the real world and all that comes with that. As for your question about tips/suggestions for moving Pinterest has great stuff. Search Military Move (that’s we did) lots of great suggestions and check off tips. May God Bless you all with your new adventure to NY!! My husband born & raised on Long Island- Long Beach. He loves Ny!!!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:53 pmItaly sounds pretty dreamy!! Totally will look up Pinterest, thanks!
Carolyn Cheeseman
March 29, 2017 at 5:04 amDo you read Cup of Jo? I feel like Joanna is the ultimate authority on all things NY!
Good luck!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:53 pmLooking her up! Thanks!
Molly Carone
March 29, 2017 at 5:15 pmCongrats! You will love NYC. There are plenty of great schools, public included in the city. I have been teaching in NYC for 10 years! You might want to look into Stuyvesant town. It’s family friendly and has a neighborhood feel, plus their own playgrounds and even stores! Parts of Stuyvesant town is in district 2 which has some really great public elementary schools. Think rooftop playgrounds and gardens! It will be an amazing experience for your family, feel free to email!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:55 pmHi Molly!! I had a friend tell me she would never put her kids into public NYC schools because of all the bullying. Is it particularly bad in the city? Where would good places be to live? I really liked what I saw in Stuyvesant town!! Upper East? Upper West?
Margo Friesen
March 29, 2017 at 8:33 pmMay God bless you & help you through all the turmoil that comes with moving, finding the right apartment,etc. Excited but scarey for sure!
Deb
April 2, 2017 at 11:35 amLauren, I just want to say “congratulations to you all”. America needs more solid families like yours is, and every body should have at least one big dream come true – don’t you think? It makes me smile to read about your family, and I am so happy that such a good thing is happening for you all. God Bless You!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:56 pmThanks so much, Deb!! I have the best readers 🙂
fannie s mitchell
April 2, 2017 at 5:22 pmCongratulations to you & your family. I love your recipes!
Lauren
April 9, 2017 at 8:56 pmThanks, Fannie!!
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April 14, 2017 at 9:22 am[…] you have read the post about us moving to NYC, then you will also know that my husband is at training for his job (meaning he’s not home) […]
Andrea Heinrichsohn
May 5, 2017 at 4:23 amIf you will buy a flat on the 6th floor, think again because EVERYTHING you buy will have to go with you, one step to the next.
Jen F
June 13, 2017 at 6:26 amLoved reading about your big move. I am sure it will be a great adventure!
Dana
June 13, 2017 at 6:43 amI love the City! We have friends that live on Long Island so we take the hour train into the city when we visit them. There is nothing like NYC!!
Heather Welton
June 13, 2017 at 7:22 amBest wishes to you and your sweet family in NYC
Martha
June 13, 2017 at 12:37 pmWe moved a few years ago. Downsizing felt great!
Beth
June 13, 2017 at 6:23 pmI’m so happy that your husband has his dream job after all his hard work and both of your sacrifices!
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Christy Lew
November 25, 2017 at 4:39 pmMy husband is from NY/NJ so we get back there 1-2x/yr. Everytime we get back from there I just love the City more and more. We actually eloped in Central Park 6yrs ago so the place has has a special place in my heart. It’s my husband’s dream to move back but I’m making him wait 9yrs when I retire at 50. Until then I love to visit and will live vicariously through you. You’re doing an amazing job thus far adjusting to city life with your family. Thanks for sharing your life.
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Heidi Matson
October 24, 2019 at 5:51 amHey Lauren, my husband and I were both born and raised in Oregon and Washington. We are not in South Carolina and have thought of moving to Idaho! Did you love living in Boise? Would you recommend it?
Greg Mover
August 12, 2022 at 11:32 pmOh my God! This comes as fantastic news all in all. It’s about time that Gordon got a job. And to top it all off, Gordon got the job of his dreams, perhaps the best part.