Key facts
- The author moved from the Bronx, a densely populated NYC borough, to a village of 8,000 people.
- She misses city conveniences, family, and a less car-dependent lifestyle.
- The Bronx offers green spaces, bike trails, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden.
- Returning to the Bronx is difficult due to sluggish housing inventory and high seller pricing.
- Current mortgage rates are double the 3% rate secured in 2021.
A writer who relocated from the Bronx to a small town during the COVID-19 pandemic is now seeking to return to her New York City roots. While she initially sought more space and a deeper connection with nature, the author found herself missing the conveniences and community of city living. She highlights the lack of walkability, the necessity of a car-dependent lifestyle, and the absence of her family as significant drawbacks to her current environment.
Despite appreciating the nature surrounding her new home, the author realized that many of the green spaces and outdoor activities she desired were already available in the Bronx. She also emphasizes the importance of being closer to her aging parents and brother, especially as she and her husband plan to start a family.
The prospect of moving back to the Bronx is complicated by the current real estate market. High housing prices, limited inventory, and significantly increased mortgage interest rates present substantial financial hurdles. The author notes that older homes in need of renovation in her desired Bronx neighborhood are priced similarly to larger, newer homes in her current town, stretching their budget considerably.
Ultimately, the author views her time away from the city as a learning experience that clarified her values. She is hopeful about finding a way back to the Bronx, which she considers home and the place that shaped her identity.