The Suburban Jungle Realty Group

My moving advice? Have a cup of tea (or 10…)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Alanna Shevak and her family were ready to embark on their move from Seattle to New Jersey and, even, a smashed windshield, anxious family pets and a few nights camping out on air mattresses couldn't stop them! Here's what Alanna learned along the way...and why a cup of tea is much-needed when you're making a massive move...

Everyone knows how stressful, exhausting, and generally overwhelming moving can be. Even though this is our family’s seventh home, moving never gets any easier. In fact, I think it gets harder as we get older and accumulate more stuff, more children, and more animals!

In our move from Seattle to Ridgewood, New Jersey, we agonized over the logistics. We had to consider how to move our belongings, cars, cats, and of course, ourselves. As a self-diagnosed control freak perfectionist I do not like to make mistakes or to feel like I could’ve done something better, so I found all of the moving-related decisions quite stressful.

For all of our belongings, I knew a good moving company would be critical to keep what little sanity I had left. Hoping to avoid a cross-country horror story, I did a lot of research, utilized recommendations from local Facebook groups, and referenced the Better Business Bureau website. I chose a local family-owned company who had been in business in the Seattle area for over 50 years. When I called the offices I could tell it was not a call center and the employees were a team who worked well together to provide the services and support we needed. My moving liaison emailed and called me regularly to check in, see how I was doing, and to make sure I didn't have any new questions about the move. She also kept me informed of the progress the moving truck was making as it traveled from Washington to New Jersey.

But despite all of my meticulous planning, moving is a lot like a wedding—something always goes wrong. My Murphy’s Law moment? A large rock hit my windshield leaving a huge chip and crack two days before my car was scheduled to be shipped across the country. I needed to get the entire windshield replaced before the shipping company would allow my car on the transport. It was during those moments that I had to keep strong and keep it together. I kept telling myself to that, once safely in New Jersey, I could fall apart if need be—but not now.

Then there were the cats—moving them turned out to be even more of an ordeal than the cars! After reading about how traumatic it can be for animals to be shipped in the cargo hold, we decided that the best thing for the cats would be to keep them with us on the airplane. Our youngest cat is pretty high strung so we bought a calming "Thunder Shirt" for her to wear and clipped her nails so she could not claw out of her carrier. Our vet had also kindly prescribed them both "cat valium." Along with their health certificates and vaccine history, I had to carry plastic bags in my hand luggage in case they had any accidents during the long journey. It was like traveling with a baby again – except this time most of my hand luggage was filled with cat supplies!

Cat #1: not very happy…

The most stressful part of the journey was trying to get through airport security with two cats, two kids, two laptops and four backpacks, plus an American Girl doll who came complete with her own carrier (a new "friend" for my daughter to help soften the blow of moving away from our friends). Animals cannot go through the security-screening machine so we had to take the cats out of their carriers and hold them as we walked through the metal detector. Our cats are not generally calm and this time was no exception—they were pretty intent on escaping our clutches despite their drugged state. For a reason known only to the TSA, after we passed through the metal detector, my husband and I were directed to step to the side and wait with the clawing cats in our arms. The whole time we were clinging onto them and praying the kids were getting the rest of our stuff onto the conveyor belt and through the machine. Once the TSA released us, we focused on stuffing the struggling cats back into their carriers. After we made it through security, I felt like we had survived the biggest battle in this crazy moving war.

Getting ready to move US (American Girl carrier and all!).

Now onto the final part: moving us.

We had purchased a new home in Ridgewood and my husband had been camping there with a few supplies we had shipped ahead. Knowing the "stuff" would not arrive before we did, we sent air mattresses, bedding, and some basic kitchen supplies so that we could live in the house. As a native Brit I also made sure to pack everything I would need to make a proper cup of tea. A cup of tea will soothe all your troubles if you're English and I had a feeling that adjusting to living in New Jersey was going to require a lot of tea!

Cheers to new adventures!

So, we finally made it to our new home in Ridgewood, NJ at about 1:00am after a long and stressful day of traveling. We were exhausted, but we had made it. And just as with moving, when you buy a new house something always goes wrong. As we walked into our new home, we discovered the air conditioning had broken, there was a leak under the sink, and there were large ants (lots and lots of large ants) but we had made it. This was all just part of the "journey" that is life. Now, all that was left to do was have a big cup of tea.

South, North and—finally!—East(chester)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Katie Nordone is no stranger to moving. This Florida native has made the jump from Fort Lauderdale to D.C. and back again, before packing it all in a rental car and heading to her final destination: Westchester! So what made this moving pro go from White Plains to Eastchester? Something that’s all too familiar to plenty of suburban families!

No matter the circumstances—why you’re moving, how close or how far, who’s moving with you—settling in a new community is always an epic journey. And my latest—the move to Westchester from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was certainly no exception.

This wasn’t my first big move either. After graduating from college in Florida I headed to Washington, D.C. then, soon enough, trekked back to Fort Lauderdale where I met my husband. He headed back to New York while I stayed behind in Florida...but not for long.

When it was finally time to make the move we loaded everything I owned into a rental car—if it didn’t fit it got left behind!—and hit the road, set on White Plains, New York. Our first impressions of our new community? It wasn’t quite NYC, but it was still a bustling city with lots to see, do and discover, with the added perk of being close to Manhattan and, at the same time, my husband’s family business.

Over the months we really grew to love White Plains—it had everything we needed for that critical first year. Just steps from our apartment was a movie theater plus bars, restaurants and plenty of shopping. It was a fast paced place to live, and we really enjoyed it.

Then I found out I was pregnant and things changed—fast.

With a baby on the way we knew we wanted to settle down in a suburban area that was incredibly family-friendly. I made the most of my bed rest researching and making phone calls to see what was what, specifically focusing on Eastchester—my husband’s hometown. With a few quick searches I started to see the real perks of this community, including top-rated schools, playgrounds for all ages, amazing toddler classes, plenty of restaurants, gyms and more. The town’s websites as well as other sites dedicated to Eastchester living became my guides and, hands down, steered me in the right direction. The only thing left to do? MOVE!

For your personalized strategy session with Suburban Jungle, click here!

What We'd Tell Justin & Jessica About Moving to the 'burbs…

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:19:00 +0000

Justin Timberlake has announced that he and wife Jessica Biel and young son Silas are packing up and leaving LA for suburbia. But, unlike many Los Angelenos, this A-list family isn’t heading to Beverly Hills or Ranchos Palos Verdes. These superstars are heading to the NYC ‘burbs—to the Norwalk, Connecticut area, specifically, reports WLEB 21.

In a statement late last week, Justin said he and his growing brood were, simply, looking to “slow things down a bit and get away from the crazy, hectic life in L.A.,” a sentiment that likely rings true for any city family considering a move to suburbia. He added, "I’ve visited the Norwalk area a few times over the years and the people there are real… they’re genuine and pretty friendly too and I think those are the things that are most important in deciding where to live.”

While we couldn’t agree more—Fairfield County is an amazing spot for young, career-minded families—there are a few things Justin and Jessica should consider as they’re planning their jump across the country...and from urban to suburban.

Source: WLEB 21. Photo by Georges Biard / CC BY-SA 3.0 / cropped

They’ll need access to NYC—and LA

The Biel-Timberlake family will need bicoastal access—NYC and LA—given their careers and personal commitments. So which posh CT suburb offers the quickest commute to the city? Rowayton is just over an hour to midtown Manhattan, as is Darien. Knowing Justin favors the “Norwalk area,” these two towns could be great choices. Rowayton, a seaside community that’s part of Norwalk, is just minutes from downtown. Darien is less than 10 minutes from Norwalk by car.

Another perk to these towns? They’re close to not just New York City airports but, also, smaller regional airports in Westchester and New Haven, where the family could hop a chartered flight back to LA.

Norwalk Terminal. Source: Pixabay.

They love music, entertainment and culture

Fairfield County is rich with art, music, culture and entertainment, making it a perfect spot for Justin and his crew. Fairfield itself has a massive arts scene and bustling nightlife, which could be attractive for the family. Westport—home to chic boutiques, galleries, award-winning restaurants and the acclaimed Westport Country Playhouse—could also be a good spot to consider. Here they’d also be neighbors to fellow celebs, including Melissa Joan Hart and Martha Stewart, and was the long-time hometown of Paul Newman.

Westport Country Playhouse. Source: WestportCountryPlayhouse.org

They’ve got a baby

Connecticut is a great state overall for families, but plenty of Norwalk-area towns consistently top national ranks of the best ‘burbs for bringing up baby. Lately, hotspots including Darien, Westport and New Canaan (home to another crooner-turned-actor, Harry Connick, Jr.) have landed high on countless lists, and with good cause. Looking at overall quality of life indicators—things like schools, climate, things to do and overall safety—these three consistently pop, as do popular family-friendly towns including Weston, Wilton and Fairfield.

She’s a working mom

While towns like Greenwich attract A-listers like Justin and Jessica, this isn’t a town that’s heavy on the working mom front. Our advice to Jessica? Find a community where you won’t be flying solo but, instead, will have the support of other like-minded career-minded mamas. What CT towns are working mom-heavy? Milford and Ridgefield each rank high on the list—in these towns, more than half of all moms work. New Canaan is also a chart-topper, with close to three in five moms working outside of the home. In Norwalk and Fairfield, that number rises to more than seven in 10.

We can’t wait to welcome Justin and Jessica to the ‘burbs! Until then, our offer stands: the Suburban Jungle team is here to help your family—and any family—plan their move from urban to suburban. Ready to get started? Fill out our interactive online questionnaire to help refine your suburban must-haves and get your family started with a dedicated Suburbs Strategist! See you in suburbia!

Spring market, SJ in the news and why the election matters to first time buyers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:00:00 +0000

Lots going on this week—and lots bubbling to the surface as spring markets hits its stride!

The 1 thing YOU need to know…

About REAL ESTATE: Is there a “pro-housing” presidential candidate?

About SUBURBAN JUNGLE: Suburban Jungle founder and president Ali Bernstein sat down with WCIU-TV Chicago to talk suburbia—check it out!

About YOUR ‘burbs

The Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye is ALMOST open...

Check out these great spots in the north Chicago ‘burbs for your kids to blow off some steam—it’s not warm just yet!

Need something for younger and older kids in the San Francisco ‘burbs? PAMP’s got you covered.

Just outside of LA, this school gardening initiative in Palos Verdes gets an A+ from us!

Looking for some green market action in Boca Raton and the surrounding suburbs? Here’s your list!

Enjoy the weekend!

Our Foray into the Suburban Jungle Part III: Darien or Bust

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 15:00:00 +0000

For Tara Giblin and her family, Connecticut went from “too far” to “too amazing to ignore!” With their sights set on CT—and, specifically, beautiful, family-friendly Darien—they set to work in search of the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood for their family. What did she learn during this up and down process? TONS—and, ultimately, found the right place for herself and her brood to call “home.”

When we decided it was time to really buy a house, our minds were flooded. Living in Manhattan, we’d been going to open houses, restaurants, and playgrounds all over Westchester for literally, years—but it was usually “just for fun.” Think a chance to get out of the city for the day. But when our search went from casual to full-on, we speed-dated our way through New Jersey, marveling at the Victorian porches of Westfield, enjoying local treats at the annual Summit street fair, and window-shopping the chic boutiques of Ridgewood. As for Connecticut, we had already done a few “drive-bys” while heading elsewhere (as in, “let’s drive-by that house we saw on Zillow!”) which took us from the narrow streets of Old Greenwich to the Norman Rockwell-esque downtown of New Canaan. Work friends expounded to us on the pros and cons of commuting from every direction—it seemed everyone had an opinion, no matter where our search led.

We needed focus. And we needed it NOW.

Our first call with Patti at Suburban Jungle proved to be more a wake-up call than an informational one. Having reviewed our town wish list, she quickly addressed practical matters like budget, home size and where we worked. The conversation started along the lines of, “You want a four bedroom with a decent yard and garage for how much? Not in lower Westchester!” then moved to, “Your husband’s office is a block from Grand Central and you are actually considering a commute into Penn before having to get across town? So long, New Jersey!”

Patti’s quick psychoanalysis helped us determine that we preferred a small town feel, and poof! Greenwich was history. In less than an hour, we came up with our short list: Irvington, Pleasantville and Chappaqua in Westchester, and Darien in Connecticut.

Just. Like. That.

The next part seemed like fate. We were hooked up with a Darien resident and real estate agent who heard our story and got it. Raised in Jersey and having looked in Westchester before choosing Darien, this agent had walked in our shoes. And besides bringing us to some lovely homes, she showcased why it wasn’t just Darien, but also the people of Darien, that were a fit for us. Residents are active and engaged, and we found the parks, beaches, restaurants and sidewalks filled with young families. The town’s numerous civic organizations are deeply supported by the community, as are its new library, technologically-advanced schools, YMCA, and Nature Center.

And if that weren’t enough, everyone was so nice. Our agent kept telling us that Darien was a friendly town, and she wasn’t exaggerating. At a local playground a couple who had recently moved from New Jersey gave us great insight into why they chose Darien over a similar nearby town (ahem, beach rights!). At the downtown luncheonette we sat at the busy counter while the owner himself leaned over and told us, “this town was made for kids.”

The commute was doable with two in-town train stations that arrived at Grand Central in less than an hour. Layer in the White Plains airport just 25 minutes away and an Amtrak stop in next-door Stamford, and Darien definitely wasn’t the sticks. We found ourselves driving back to the city, giddy with delight from just one visit, and excited for our next one. Despite Patti’s suggestions, we never did go back to Westchester. At this point, it was Darien-or-bust…

For your personalized suburbs strategy session with Suburban Jungle, click here!

Why NOW is the time to make a move and how this mom went from urban to suburban fast...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 11:21:00 +0000

While it’s no surprise spring market means more homes but, still, more competition, this season’s seeing something a little different: lower-than-average inventory and, with it, higher than average prices. The bright spot? Rates are still L-O-W, helping you snag more house for less.

The 1 thing YOU need to know…

About REAL ESTATE: Buyers are hitting the market in a big way -- but the inventory is a bit lower than expected. What does that mean for you, future suburbanite?

About SUBURBAN JUNGLE: A recent suburban transplant talks about her shift from “never leaving the city” to “leaving the city...NOW!”

About YOUR ‘burbs

Considering a try-before-you-buy approach to the Bay Area ‘burbs? You aren’t alone, especially not in these cities.

Which LA ‘burbs are booming? Check out these interactive lists.

These schools in the Chicago suburbs scored an A+ -- did yours make the cut?

Boca Raton and its surrounding ‘burbs are the perfect places to raise a family -- yet another list agrees!

Is New Jersey real estate set for a serious boom this year?

Enjoy the weekend!

How one NYC family went from "never going to go" to "have to go—NOW!"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:00:00 +0000

Alison Sherwin was your typical NYC mom. With an apartment on the Upper East Side, an energetic toddler and baby #2 on the way, Alison and her growing brood were savoring city living—until they weren’t. While she’d always loved the hustle and bustle, with baby in tow—and another coming soon—her day-to-day got increasingly tougher to navigate, and that left her longing for a LOT more space and an easier day-to-day. Despite their initial hesitations and serious reservations, Alison and her husband started thinking suburbia. The rest is history…

My husband and I bought our apartment on the Upper East Side in 2009, right before we got married. It was a two-bedroom apartment and at the time, I had delusions of fitting two children in the second bedroom. Flash forward to 2013, with a one-year old daughter and discussions of having a second child, I came to the realization that we could not fit two cribs in said bedroom (my husband’s joking suggestion of bunk-cribs notwithstanding).

As I struggled to get on and off the subway with my toddler and an umbrella stroller, the city had quickly become difficult to navigate. Layer in a pregnancy and, before long, I couldn’t carry my daughter and the stroller and all of the gear down the stairs and to the platform. The end result? Months essentially confined to the 10-block radius surrounding our apartment—not ideal. And, with so much now off limits, living in the city didn’t have the same appeal—what good are the amazing activities and events if I couldn’t get to any of them?

Even going outside to play had become a fiasco. I needed to pack the diaper bag, the stroller and walk several avenues to the park. Once there, I had to juggle keeping an eye on that bag—with my wallet in it—and my energetic toddler. And the winter? She never got to play outside in the snow—how could she? There was no steering the stroller through a foot of snow and ice to the park. Even if I had, she might have lasted 10 minutes—then it was back home again, across icy avenue after icy avenue. I started to get that pang of jealousy every time a Facebook friend posted a picture of their kids zipping around the backyard, building a snowman on the porch or swinging back and forth on their very own swing-set. I also envied their weekly trips to the grocery store—really! In the city I could only purchase what fit securely in the bottom of the stroller—after, of course, spending an hour navigating the tiny store aisles with both a stroller and a cart. Not so in the suburbs…

But the decision still wasn’t so cut and dry. Manhattan had its perks, even through this new two-baby lens. What was still keeping us here? In short, (1) we wanted to keep my husband’s commute to a minimum so he could spend as much time as possible with our daughter (and daughter-to-be) and (2) we both wanted to avoid the responsibilities and upkeep of a home.

That said, we knew we couldn’t afford a three-bedroom apartment but our two-bedroom was being taken over by countless toddler things—I mean, everyone stores their stroller next to the kitchen table, and the car seat behind the sofa...right? And maneuvering that car seat? We didn’t own a car in the city so were dependent on family members to pick us up (or snagging a last-minute rental car) anytime the need arose—and that always necessitated a quick curbside car seat install...while parked illegally...

The writing was on the wall—life in the city had, simply, become too hard, too expensive, too cluttered and too stressful.

Despite staring directly at the inevitable—a move to suburbia—neither my husband nor I dove right in. We weren’t excited about the responsibilities that came with home ownership, and an increased commute didn’t sit well with either of us. That said, we desperately needed the space and I needed to make our day-to-day adventures a little bit easier for my sake, my daughter’s sake and, of course, her sibling-to-be’s sake. Raising kids is hard enough without the additional stresses the city added.

It was time to go. Now looking back, I’m very glad we did…

For your personalized suburbs session with Suburban Jungle, click here!

Millennials on the move, SJ’s Chicago searches & hotspots to call “HOME”

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 02:53:00 +0000

Spring market—and SPRING!—is finally, finally, FINALLY here. So what do you have know? LOTS. But if you need a quick hit of info, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the 1 THING you need to know this week, from the national real estate scene to your own backyard.

The 1 thing YOU need to know…

About REAL ESTATE: If you’re a millennial on the move (to suburbia…) you aren’t alone. Millennials are FINALLY heading to the ‘burbs!

About SUBURBAN JUNGLE: Hello, Chicago! Check out our segment on WGN News -- all about making the urban-to-suburban leap.

About YOUR ‘burbs

In the San Francisco suburbs, these towns are attracting more than their fair share of families.

Worried about leaving LA? Check out these suburban hotspots which are jam-packed with A+ amenities.

So many Chicago ‘burbs topped this statewide list. Did yours make the cut of best places to settle in?

What’s better for families than Boca Raton and its ‘burbs? In a word, nothing.

Connecticut = families...and if you’re not convinced, we’ve got 25 reasons you’ll want to call the Nutmeg State home.

Enjoy the weekend!

ALL ABOUT THE 'BURBS: MARCH 4-6, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday -- and happy MARCH! Getting ready to pound the pavement this weekend? Here’s what you need to know about the market and about life in suburbia…

THIS WEEK IN REAL ESTATE…

Despite anticipating a rate hike, could 2016 actually be the year of record LOWS?

And on the heels of these predictions, Bank of America announced its 3% down loan…

Question of the week: would you live in a “bestie ‘hood?”

OVER IN THE NYC ‘BURBS

Is NYC headed towards a luxury rental boom?

All about “Brooklyn West” (and this one’s NOT in NYC...)

Need a sweet treat between showings? Check out the deliciously inspired Imagine Candy in Scarsdale.

JUST OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO

Is this the summer families finally ditch the unbearably high rental market?

This long-time city dweller has already penned her breakup letter to Chicago…

This Skokie sweet shop is the perfect weekend pit stop.

SAYING “SEE YA!” TO SAN FRANCISCO?

Is the city on the brink of a major housing bubble?

Either way, the costs continue to skyrocket…

Not only is this Palo Alto shop super sweet, but all proceeds go to local schools!

LIFE OUT OF LA

So many parking lots…

Just starting your search? Niche recommends these go-to ‘burbs for LA families.

What DON’T they have at SweetXO?

AND NEWS FROM BOCA! Need a reason to consider Boca? Livability’s got 8 (and we can think of PLENTY more…).

Have a great weekend!

Getting ready to sell (and why I should’ve kept the kayak—maybe…)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Alanna Shevak and her family took a breath and decided to make the move from Seattle to New Jersey, where her husband had recently accepted a new job. With two kids, a pet and decades worth of stuff to get cross-country—and, not to mention, a house to sell—Alanna tapped her incredible organizational skills to get the job done...and, maybe, a little help from the pros.

Within a few weeks the family was ready to wrap up the school year and tackle the next big to do on their list: pack up and make this 3,000+ mile move to the new adventures that awaited them in Ridgewood. Here’s what Alanna did first—and, maybe, why she wishes she kept the kayak…

I enjoy being an organized person—I even enjoy trying to add a little control to the typical chaos that comes with two kids, a full-time job and household to run. So, for me, our move from Seattle to New Jersey was no exception. Once I accepted we were really making The Move I knew I had to tap into every last bit of organizational skills to make this a successful, (relatively) seamless reality.

But with my head swirling—the details, the dates, the must-dos—I instantly became overwhelmed and grumpy. To combat this dark cloud I started writing everything down. If I thought of something move-related I would jot it down on a post-it or tack it onto my fast-growing list. Within a few days I had so many sticky notes and lists that they needed organizing. Sure I was an organized person, but these logistics were freaking me out!

I took a breath and decided to segment everything into three buckets: 1) Selling the house in Seattle, 2) the physical moving—AKA the stuff, people and animals—who all needed to get cross-country, and 3) buying a house in New Jersey. My husband and I decided I would focus on #1, he would focus on #3—he’d already started the new job in New Jersey and was in corporate housing—and sometime during the next six months, we would figure out #2.

With a plan in action I started to prepare our Seattle home to go on the market—I even enlisted the help of a professional organizer to get the house where I knew it needed to be. You can never have enough organizational know-how in my mind!

Together we worked for days to purge my house of all the stuff we’d accumulated over the years. Through our many past moves, we’d learned the hard way that pressboard furniture never travels well and, likewise, that stunning furniture from one house might look completely out of place in another. So if it was from Ikea or Target and if I didn't love it, it was donated to charity. And, maybe in the process I also passive aggressively purged some of my husband's clothes (those shirts needed to go), the camping gear we’d used once, the grill, and his kayak. Yes, I was still feeling resentful about leaving Seattle but, REALLY, when would we ever need a kayak in New Jersey? Off to Goodwill it went!

Our organizer also staged our remaining items perfectly and I moved any ugly items—the cat tree and electric piano, for starters—to a storage unit. I also packed up all our framed photos so potential buyers could envision themselves in our house, and not be distracted by family portraits. As luck would have it I also stumbled upon a wonderful contractor who helped me spruce up the landscaping and touch up handprints and scratches on the walls. The final flourish was washing the windows inside and out so the sun would stream through for the photographs.

And, yes, the sun does shine in Seattle. Seriously!

I had gotten so much done in such a short period of time that, when I finally took a minute to appreciate the work, I was hit with another surprising emotion: with all of the sprucing and staging, our house looked spectacular, making it even harder for me to see it go. In those moments I had to keep telling myself over and over to keep going and moving forward towards the next exciting chapter in our lives.

In almost no time I sold the house for full asking price and, even, got the rent-back I needed to keep the kids there until the end of the school year. Mission #1 accomplished.

Fast forward a few months and we’re settling into our new lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey—but, being a Seattle family, decided to tap into our outdoorsy Pacific Northwest spirit and venture out to Ringwood State Park. We thought it might be nice to take in the fall air, see the foliage, and get some exercise—and maybe, just maybe, we’d start loving New Jersey a little more. But, of course, as we looked out over the peaceful and serene lake, my first thought was, "Oh I wish we had a kayak..." A slight organizational fail but, hands down, a moving success!

For your personalized suburbs strategy session with Suburban Jungle, click here!

Our Foray into the Suburban Jungle Part II: Wish Lists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Tara Giblin and her family continued their hunt for THE suburb to call "home." And, despite their initial feelings about Connecticut (in a word: FAR), the area seemed to check most of Tara's boxes. But wanting NO post-move regrets she continued to scour the region, building her wish list from commute time to public school quality to downtown must-haves. The end result? Lots of looking paired with a healthy dose of home buyer reality which, together, pushed them closer and closer towards the perfect community.

We always knew it was more than just finding a home. When it came to making The Move, we really wanted a community. Even before we were Suburban Jungle clients, we believed in first finding the right suburb, then finding the right house. And being pretty Type A, I felt the need to scour every possibility—I wanted NO regrets post-move.

With all of that in mind—and, of course, based on commuting needs and proximity to family—we quickly honed in on “just a few” spots: Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut, specifically. With Long Island and Rockland off the list, that really narrowed things down, right?

From there, we made our wish list based on what we loved about the city. Our town had to have good public transportation (i.e., its own train station—and the shorter the ride to Midtown Manhattan, the better!). We also wanted a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants, engaged residents, easy access to outdoor recreation (so long Central Park, we’ll miss you!), diverse architecture, and reasonable taxes. And, firmly at the top of the list was something we were not guaranteed in NYC: excellent public schools. I spent hours online, finding listings and analyzing town data. My favorite thing to read was the The New York Times Living In article each week.

This wasn’t the first time we’d dipped our toes in the suburban water. Always knowing this move was in the cards, we’d already browsed many Westchester towns that checked our must-have boxes…almost. Most of the towns had the train, schools, shops, homes, playgrounds and running trails along rivers, beaches, or parks. But the taxes that paid for all of that wonderfulness were a bit north of reasonable. In fact, my practical, Midwestern-raised husband simply could not wrap his head around Westchester’s taxes.

With Westchester on the backburner, we turned to New Jersey. Despite what MTV would have you believe, New Jersey has some beautiful towns and taxes are—let’s say—lower than in Westchester. Again we found great places, some with easier commutes than others. But suddenly, it wasn’t enough just to have a train station. We also didn’t want to have to transfer during the AM/PM commute—and we definitely didn’t want to rely on a bus, especially given recent winters! That scratched a few more contenders off of our list, and within a few weeks, we were feeling pretty dejected.

Our next stop? Connecticut...but it seemed so far. While we loved the feel of New England, it was still another geographic region! Beyond that, we’d already experienced I-95 on a Friday night while trekking to visit family in Boston. In short, it was no picnic. Even when we’d jumped off the highway to outsmart traffic—meandering through some idyllic neighborhood straight out of Stepford Wives—we’d snap back to reality realizing we were still a good hour from Midtown. In short, no dice on Connecticut.

Frustrated and a bit aimless, we decided to contact Suburban Jungle. Maybe we were doing this wrong, we thought. Maybe Suburban Jungle would recommend a diamond-in-the-rough-town we had yet to discover.

As it happened, Suburban Jungle had no diamonds in the rough for this Type A homebuyer. But what they did have was even more valuable: a dose of perspective and some very good advice…

For your personalized suburbs session with Suburban Jungle, click here!

ALL ABOUT THE 'BURBS: FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:03:00 +0000

THINGS ARE HEATING UP! And we aren’t just talking about some (finally!) milder temperatures from coast to coast but, also, spring market.

ALL ABOUT THE MARKET

Planning for a smart home? You aren’t alone. Even Barbie’s Dream House is going high tech (drone included).

More than 1 in 3 renters say they can’t afford to buy -- but, given the lending shifts and lower than predicted rates, they can.

Home buying and dating seem to have A LOT in common…

How low can rates go? Pretty low, says experts.

NYC SUBURBS

Think your commute will be a killer post-move? Think again. Some suburban commutes are even shorter than in-city ones.

All 5 of Port Washington’s elementary schools now rank among the state’s best

Get a serious taste for a town -- grab brunch! Check out Pig and Prince, a local Montclair fave, as you’re browsing houses this weekend.

SAN FRANCISCO SUBURBS

Nothing new here: San Francisco real estate is on the rise.

Heading to the ‘burbs definitely beats renting in this high cost market -- check out what $3,500 gets you in the city.

Brunch in Alameda? The options are endless.

CHICAGO SUBURBS

17 Chicago suburbs rank among the nation’s safest

The area’s luxury trends means bigger and better -- but what does that mean for first-time buyers?

At this brunch hotspot in nearby Evanston, farm to table is always on the menu.

LA SUBURBS

The new Gold Line extension makes commuting in and around the LA ‘burbs even easier

Home prices in Southern California continue to rise -- what does that mean for soon-to-be buyers?

Year after year this brunch hotspot remains a go-to for visitors and locals alike

AND A LITTLE NEWS FROM BOCA RATON: Is Boca the healthiest place to raise a child? This mom says YES.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: Our Transition from City Life to Suburban Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:16:00 +0000

So what’s life like once the Halperns settle in? During their very first summer in the ‘burbs, they discovered plenty of perks (no sweaty subway rides…), plenty of great neighbors, and plenty of reasons to fire up the grill! See how Robin Halpern and her family transitioned from urban to suburban, and why it’s always great to have a few friends at the bus stop…

Summers in the city could be characterized by sweaty, smelly subway rides, sweltering walks from said subway, sprinklers spraying wildly in every playground, and singing ice cream trucks on every corner. But now, in the middle of our first summer in the ‘burbs, it was an entirely different world. The transition from city dweller to neighborhood family was a serious undertaking and we learned a lot along the way. For starters...

You’re taking a car EVERYWHERE you go

In the city everything you could ever need seemed to be within a two-block radius. Not so in the ‘burbs. Those same two blocks get you just as far as the neighbor's driveway! So our new best friend became our car. At first, this seemed like a schlep. But after I learned the hard way how to back out of a long driveway without hitting a tree (ever play bumper cars?), I started to realize the value in driving everywhere. Grocery shopping was no longer limited to what I could carry the three blocks home. Trunk space is gold!

Nice neighbors are nice to have!

Those first few suburban weeks are quiet. After running around in the backyard for a while, our kids were looking for, well, other kids. You can't avoid them in the city, but they’re harder to locate when everyone has their own fun-filled backyard. Once we zeroed in on a young family down the block (i.e. my husband accosted them in their front yard), they graciously invited us to a BBQ/pool party at their house and, from there, we quickly got to know the other families in the neighborhood. The best part? On the first day of school the bus stop was a lot less awkward because we already had a handle on who’s who and what’s what.

You are less anonymous

It's easy to get lost in a big city. Sometimes that’s a great thing, but sometimes it can make you feel a little lost. Living in a smaller town where everyone knows each other makes you want to get out there. You want to be in the loop and know where the cool spots are for dinner, kids' classes, or shopping. So you give up some of that anonymity in favor of knowing the shortcuts, like where to go when your nail salon is closed. I even joined a Facebook group of 3,500 other local "moms" who are (usually) happy to answer just about any question newbies might have.

Closet Space! BBQ!

Two things we didn't need to "adjust" to at all: the extra space and the BBQ! Once everything had its own space and I still had room to spare, I could breathe so much easier. Then my husband started grilling up a storm now that BBQs weren't building no-nos. And the two are definitely connected: if I keep eating those delicious grilled steaks and veggies I will definitely need a new wardrobe!

Our move brought plenty of changes, but the adjustment wasn't too painful. It actually brought more pluses than minuses now that all’s said and done. The best perk so far? Replacing family walks to our favorite bakery or park with family bike rides and picnics! I even got a pink "mom bike" with a bell and a basket. I am officially suburbanized!

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

ALL ABOUT THE 'BURBS: VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 01:01:00 +0000

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! We’ve got LOTS of love this year -- love for our amazing clients, love for our incredible new markets (looking at you, San Francisco and Chicago!) and, of course, love for spring market! Enjoy the weekend!

ALL ABOUT THE MARKET

Despite end-of-year fears that a significant rate hike was looming, more and more experts now say a ‘16 lift isn’t likely -- buyers, rejoice!

Not only will it be easier to secure home financing in the coming days and weeks, but properties will likely plateau in terms of price creating a perfect storm for springtime buyers

Rates continue to dip, even on high value jumbo loans. The end result? Tons of new mortgage and refinancing applications from new and existing home owners.

NYC SUBURBS

Rockland County is on the rise, with home sales up 26% in Q4 2015 and exceeding even historic transaction levels. Go, Rockland!

New Jersey is poised for a serious real estate boom, with home sale prices growing just 2% -- far below the area or, even, national average (start by checking out these top-ranked towns!)

Hitting Westchester for Valentine’s Day? Check out these hot area restaurants, perfect for a V’Day night out.

SAN FRANCISCO SUBURBS

Conforming loan limits were raised in some San Fran suburbs making it easier for buyers to get the financing they need now

And these increases couldn’t come at a better time -- home prices are escalating to levels not seen since before the dot com burst

In the ‘burbs for Valentine’s Day? Check out these must-tries in and around Palo Alto.

CHICAGO SUBURBS

After a million-dollar facelift, Evanston’s Oscar Mayer mansion will hit the market this spring

The Barrington area is set for a major housing boom according to business leaders and insiders

The ‘burbs are the place to be this weekend! Yum…

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

The Great Migration: How We Made The Move

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Robin Halpern and her family were getting closer and closer to their big move to the 'burbs (Syosset, New York, specifically!). When it came time to pack it all up and leave the city for good, Robin had some smart tips, tricks and must-tries that emerged from her own experience heading from urban to suburban...and her "personal Q&A" will no doubt help any family about to make the leap!

The big day was fast approaching—we were closing on our new forever home in a month! I was stressed about packing especially since my husband insisted on doing it himself rather than paying for the movers to do it (side note: take it from me, it's worth the $$!). But I was more worried about bigger things, with the same enormous questions swirling around in my head day after day...

"What should we take with us?"

When you live in a two-bedroom apartment it feels like you have so much stuff. But it's not nearly as much as you think, trust me. As you get closer to moving you realize "apartment stuff" might not make great "house stuff.” We started by selling some of our furniture, specifically the "space saving" and "storage maximizing" pieces that would look ridiculous in a right-sized master bedroom or be totally dwarfed in a formal living room. With the constant influx of college grads and starving artists, things move much faster on Craigslist in the city versus in the ‘burbs!

"How am I going to decorate this house?"

Like countless other projects (and because I don't have a creative gene in my body) we needed help decorating the house to make it our own. We decided to get a head start, and had floors refinished and walls painted ahead of time. That way, come night one, it wouldn't feel like we were having a sleepover in someone else's house. It took an extra few weeks, but it made a big difference—turning the key, opening the door and walking into OUR HOME was incredible.

"Will my kids adjust?"

We decided to ease the boys into suburban life. Rather than just pick them up and move them from one bedroom to the next, we brought them to the house a few times before the big day. They picked out their own rooms, helped the crew peel off the dated wallpaper, watched movies on the floor of our (new!) empty den and played frisbee in the backyard (and the backyard weeds). We even installed the swing set ahead of time—instant comfort! They couldn't wait to use it every day. When it came time to move, we sent them to Grandma's house and she dropped them off that evening to a big "Welcome Home" sign on the door. It was a great start to an excellent new life.

Then the day finally came—it was time to leave the city. After the movers had cleared out 12 years of our life in an hour, I stood in my apartment which, except for the dust bunnies, was totally empty. Nails sat where our family memories once hung on the wall, and I could almost hear the echoes of my kids laughing and playing up and down the halls. It was a great run and, in that moment, I was sad to walk away. But in my last elevator ride down those 14 floors the nervous excitement in my chest reminded me I had a big house in Syosset waiting to be filled—filled with more (bigger and better!) furniture, more laughter and many, many more happy memories.

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

ALL ABOUT THE 'BURBS: FEBRUARY 5-7, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 13:42:00 +0000

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S FEBRUARY? We’re now well into 2016 and about to shake off another winter market -- and, with it, there’s tons of activity from coast to coast.

ALL ABOUT THE MARKET

What are buyers looking for? According to this report, they’re all about the walk-in closets and a host of smart features.

Rents are on the rise, but home affordability remains solidly in a buyer’s favor.

Mortgage lenders and underwriters focus on the whole borrower -- but this consideration is the one most likely to keep them up at night…

Whether you’re moving from the city to the ‘burbs or packing it up and crossing the country, the journey to suburbia has some similarities for everyone

NYC SUBURBS

Long Island real estate is trending up, up and up

And good news for you Long Islanders and soon-to-be Long Islanders -- by 2022 you’ll be able to commute into Grand Central, too!

Thinking CT? Mommy Poppins has 25 more reasons why that’s a great decision!

It's snowing now, but this weekend’s actually looking pretty mild -- a fun Westchester playground, anyone?

SAN FRANCISCO SUBURBS

It’s time to head to the ‘burbs when...an average home is San Francisco averages just over 800 square feet -- but costs at least $1 million

Is this Palo Alto’s new hotspot?

These are the trends Bay Area buyers can expect in 2016 and beyond -- look familiar?

Not to be outdone, the ‘burbs have their fair share of amazing playgrounds...

CHICAGO SUBURBS

Ready for your suburban garden? These are the outdoor trends Chicago area homeowners are seeing more and more this year.

Even in the ‘burbs rents are rising…

Welcome to Burr Ridge -- and its 100 million-dollar homes for sale

Like the NYC area, the Chicago suburbs are slated for a milder weekend -- get the family to a playground outside of city limits!

Enjoy the weekend!

Finding suburbia...on the other side of the country!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 16:00:00 +0000

While countless Suburban Jungle families go from NYC, Chicago or San Francisco to suburbia, plenty make an much BIGGER leap: moving from an entirely different region or, even, cross-country.

Alanna Shevak and her family were one of those West Coast to East Coast families when a job offer took them from their beloved Seattle to the greater NYC area. After their Suburbs Strategist helped Alanna overcome her "Real Housewives" view of New Jersey she found the perfect town for her brood: Ridgewood! See what drew her to this community and how, with a little research and some hands-on help from Suburban Jungle, the family found where the belonged...and are LOVING it (but still root for the Seahawks!).

Last summer our family of two kids and two cats moved from the greater Seattle area in the Pacific Northwest to Ridgewood, New Jersey. It was literally a move from one side of the country to the other. What didn’t help? That I was very reluctant to leave the West Coast. When my husband first told me he’d been approached for the new position, my exact words were, "over my dead body," followed up by a loving and supportive, "have a nice life, the kids and I are staying here!"

No matter how much I protested, a job change and move were in our future. Thankfully my sister-in-law, who knows everyone and everything, referred us to Suburban Jungle. There is only so much online research I was able to do from across the country and they had the "on-the-ground" intelligence I so desperately needed. The folks at Suburban Jungle encouraged me to talk frankly about my feelings surrounding the move as well as our wish list for a new community. They also broke down the many stereotypes I had about New Jersey (thank you for nothing Bravo's Housewives!) and helped me realize that moving here wasn't going to be like moving to a foreign country.

And so, based on Suburban Jungle's recommendations, we started focusing on Ridgewood. Our strategist and, subsequently, our agent made sure to share the vibe of the town, info on the schools and the different types of homes and prices. But beyond that, she did something that really solidified our decision: she connected me with a fellow mom whose son had received special education services through the Ridgewood school district. Our conversation soothed many of my fears, especially concerning our son's needs. I was tackling such a big life decision and felt like my family's future happiness was at stake. Just having someone say, "I think Ridgewood will really work for you. I think you'll fit in here," meant the world.

If there is one word that sums up moving across the country, it's logistics. Figuring out how and when to get everything across the country was time-consuming and stressful. We ended up shipping air mattresses, sheets, pillows and basic kitchen equipment ahead of time so we could "camp" at the new house while we waited for the furniture to arrive (staying in a hotel with two stressed-out cats did not appeal). We also shipped one car ahead so we could have one at both sides of the country. Believe it or not, driving across the country with two kids and two cats was not an adventure I wanted to embark upon!

At the end of the day, though, it came down to just getting there. I kept telling myself that we just needed to get there and then we could figure everything else out.

Seven months later and we are settling into Ridgewood slowly but surely. Everyone has been friendly and we’ve met lots of new people through school events, neighborhood parties and the Ridgewood Newcomer's Group. And, above all, there are neighbors and fellow moms who have gone out of their way to include us in activities and events. We have found Ridgewood to be a welcoming and inclusive town and I find that walking my daughter to the elementary school and volunteering at the school has helped me meet more people, too. Often we run into familiar faces at Ridgewood community events and, each time, I feel more and more like we’re really starting to build a life here.

Don't get me wrong, there are still days when my heart aches for Seattle, a Starbucks barista who understands my coffee order and a live Seahawks football game...but, at the same time, now I can walk to a Carlos' Bakery and eat fresh cannoli. So not all bad!

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

ALL ABOUT THE 'BURBS: JANUARY 29-31, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 17:30:00 +0000

HAPPY FRIDAY! January flew by, didn’t it? No matter where you’re looking -- or even thinking about looking -- there’s tons going on right now that could impact your search. Here’s what you need to know!

ALL ABOUT THE MARKET

Wonder where housing prices are heading in your area? Check out this coast to coast chart, complete with projected increases in every state. Looking great, Connecticut!

Buying a home this year? Listen closely: get your cash OUT of the hamper!

The new home trend is bigger and pricier.

NYC SUBURBS

Think the NYC suburbs can’t rival the city? THINK AGAIN.

Where the high rollers are heading…

And where the families are going -- with good reason!

Heading to Long Island this weekend? Don’t miss Family Sundays at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn.

SAN FRANCISCO SUBURBS

Is the no down payment mortgage arriving in San Francisco sooner than anticipated? (in short: YES!)

Two of the 10 best ‘burbs in the nation are within commuting distance of SF.

What should city families think about before exploring suburbia? We (and Littlelane!) have your answer…

Family-friendly wineries, anyone?

CHICAGO SUBURBS

Home sales are exploding in these popular ‘burbs, including Woodridge and Brookfield

Got kids? Start here.

Some other movers and shakers? These diverse and totally vibrant suburbs.

Cold weekend ahead? Check out these kid-friendly hotspots as you’re scoping the suburbs.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Our Foray into the Suburban Jungle Part I: Space & Window Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

We continue our series with some unique insights and experiences from recent suburban transplant Tara Giblin. After spending years in the city—and loving every minute of it!—Tara started poking around in the ‘burbs, checking out towns and starting to get a feel for life outside of the boroughs. But little did she know that, once she dove in, the best was yet to come…

A friend from the great Midwest once remarked, “New Yorkers don’t value space,” referring to the tiny apartments we all crammed ourselves and our worldly belongings into day after day. At the time, my husband and I were living in our first New York City apartment and meticulously putting every inch of the unit’s 540 square feet to use.

“No, no, my friend, we value space more than anyone,” I replied.

I love New York City. And, 10 years ago and newly married, what wasn’t there to love? It was so easy to meet friends on Saturday night at a fun new restaurant, then spend Sunday morning sipping coffee and reading the Times while breakfast, groceries and dry cleaning all came right to our door. After a year, we moved into our second apartment—this one, a whopping 905 square feet—and found ourselves hosting many out-of-town guests on our pull-out couch, plus countless parties that left high-heeled dents in the wooden floors.

And then it happened: we had our first child, which made me love the city even more. How awesome was it that our neighborhood was so family-friendly—so much so that we could still frequent our favorite restaurants with baby in tow (albeit 3 hours earlier than when we used to)? We shifted from buying Central Park concert tickets, more often buying Central Park carousel tickets, and happy as we could be about it. We even navigated potential space issues—when our little one entered toddlerhood, we gave up our bedroom and converted our living/dining space into a master/living space. It was, basically, a studio—but our kid had her own room.

But we always knew we’d move to the suburbs eventually. My husband and I had both grown up outside of large cities, and while we relished that our building was zoned for a great public elementary school (just in case), we always pictured teaching our kids to ride a bike on a tree-lined street—one that didn’t run the risk of having a taxi barrel down it at 60mph.

So, once in awhile, we’d take a trip to the suburbs. Maybe stop by a playground while we scoped out a town. Drop in at an open house. We’d always pick a spot in Westchester, where train commutes were comparable to the subway. But we weren’t really looking. Just window shopping. We figured we had plenty of time to figure the suburb thing out.

But time passed at the seeming warp speed it always does when you’re a parent. Kindergarten loomed on the horizon, and when we became pregnant with baby #2, we knew we needed more space. We upgraded to a true two-bedroom in our same building and gave ourselves a deadline. No more window shopping. We’d enjoy the city with our two little ones for one more year, and then we would move. To a house. To the ‘burbs.

And though we didn’t know it for certain, the best was yet to come.

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

Our Hunt for Home: How We Chose Where We Belonged

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Suburban Jungle client (and newish suburbanite) Robin Halpern was confident she didn’t want to move back to Long Island. With the help of Suburban Jungle Strategists and locals, her family toured a series of great towns throughout Westchester and New Jersey. But like any suburban search, this one was filled with some twists, turns and unexpected realizations. Chief among them? That you can learn almost anything about a town by visiting the local diner!

When it came time to leave NYC we had so many options—and so few at the same time. My husband and I both worked in midtown Manhattan, so a reasonable commute was central to our decision. We wanted to choose a nice town, where we could find a nice house, meet some nice friends, and give our children a warm, enriched upbringing. With the help of Suburban Jungle experts here is how we approached “the hunt.”

My husband and I both grew up on the South Shore of Long Island. Unlike many of our peers, we never went to sleepaway camp and we went to universities with small tristate populations—and that meant, when it came time to kick off our search, our network was limited. We knew what we knew but, really, nothing else. Most of our friends were still in NYC (and would be for life), our co-workers had a lot of competing opinions, and our families (selfishly) wanted us to come "home" to Long Island.

So we did what so many families do: we looked everywhere. Each time we "toured" a town—Tenafly, Chappaqua, Short Hills, Woodbury and, it seemed, everywhere in between—we had a barrage of questions prepared for our local guide/real estate agent, from info on the schools to the restaurants for my foodie husband to the ease of the commute for a working mom like me. We took note of how close the houses were, how good the shopping was, and the location of the nearest synagogue. And what we found? One of the best ways to find out if you'd fit in in any particular town is to visit the local diner! It's the best place to find the crossroads of all demographics. If we saw kids running around, young frazzled looking parents, grandparents smiling, and great sour pickles, we knew we'd fit in just fine!

We saw some great towns with rich (in fulfillment, not necessarily money!) cultures. But in the end, our parents won. We needed their help, and they would eventually need ours. Our kids could make friends anywhere, but they wanted to see their cousins. So we landed (close to, but still a comfortable distance from) home. I'm still glad we spent all those weekends going through the whole process though. It ruled out my tendency to have buyer's remorse. And now, 2 1/2 years later? I don't regret a thing.

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

THIS WEEK (& WEEKEND!): Millennial buyers, rate dips & plenty of playspaces...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Wow —is it just us or does it feel like winter came in hard and fast this week? Between the frigid temperatures from coast to coast to the snowstorms barreling down on the Chicago and NYC ‘burbs, winter is definitely here, and that can mean big shifts in the market.

The newest buyers to hit the market—millennials—want everyone (kids especially!) to have a space to decompress…

Rates dipped ahead of the holiday weekend—but will they stay that way?

Concerned about your commute? Think again. We love our on-the-train (or on the bus, in the car, on the bike…) time. Here’s why!

Keeping the kids indoors this weekend? Check out these family-approved indoor playspaces—they’re popping up everywhere in the ‘burbs!

Once Upon a Treetop in Plainview, NY is a go-to for Long Island families. With daily free play and plenty of special events, there’s never a dull moment in the Treetop!

Think of San Ramon’s Modern Recess as a hip gym class meets on-trend cross-training center—but packed with loads of activities and gear perfect for kids of all ages.

In Naperville, Cafe N Play is a must—parents can grab a coffee and hop onto the center’s free Wifi, while kids play in the princess castle, pirate clubhouse and climbing tower.

Have a great weekend!

What Made Us Decide to Leave the City for the 'burbs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

The Suburban Jungle Realty Group works with countless families, all considering a move from urban to suburban. Each family has a unique story to tell about their experience in the city, what made them consider the ‘burbs and why, ultimately, they chose THAT town—and, of course, plenty of stories to tell about their transition from city to suburb.

We’re kicking off this new series with another great Suburban Jungle Family: The Halperns! Check back for more from Robin Halpern over the next few weeks, and see how her family navigated life, both in a two-bedroom (with two kids and a dog!) and, now, as a suburbanite…

There was no strike of lightening. No flashing neon sign. No divine inspiration. It was simply time to go.

I grew up in the suburbs and went to college in the country. Then I graduated and began working in the city—and lived in a closet. Not just me, either—it was me, my husband, my two young boys, plus our small dog, all living in a two-bedroom apartment on the upper (upper) east side.

We did it all. Picnics in Central Park. Playdates in the corridors of grand NYC museums. Riding tricycles and playing soccer—in our hallway. Something just didn't feel right about that.

We didn't think the day would come. We had tackled the daunting nursery school application process and came out on top (except for the huge bill...). We were two working parents with a great nanny and happy kids, with a playground across the street. But our apartment had become a giant playroom, not to mention a stroller parking lot. And we were daring to think about a third child—and that’s when it became just plain preposterous to stay.

So we did our homework. We looked at various towns across the tristate area, vowing never to return to Long Island, where we grew up. And then...guess where we wound up? Our dream home, our perfect community, our forever after was right there, where we swore we’d never live. All the homes, the towns, the diners we sampled, and we ended up right where we belong.

For us, home turned out to be where our family (read: our help) is. But when we realized a playroom could actually be in the basement, when we realized stroller parking could actually be in the two car garage, when we heard our kids laughing in our expansive backyard on their own personal swing set, we knew we had made the right decision.

For your personalized suburbs strategy session, click here!

THIS WEEKEND IN THE 'BURBS: JANUARY 15-17, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday, everyone! As we head into this long holiday weekend, it’s a great time to check in with what’s happening in the residential real estate universe:

If you’re about to ditch your apartment you’re not alone -- apartment vacancies are on the rise in a big way

Don’t let these 5 mortgage misconceptions get in your way…

Forbes has a great roundup on the “10 Things You Absolutely Need to Know” when it comes to buying that first home

Check out Suburban Jungle in the Chicago Tribune! We’re excited to be in Chicago and, already, to be helping countless families make the urban-to-suburban transition!

With the holiday weekend here, there’s LOTS to do with the entire family. As you’re out exploring, check out these local activities to get a taste for some prospective towns. Enjoy!

The Brookfield Zoo is celebrating MLK Day with free admission, performances by Zemra and crafts for kids at the Hamill Family Play Zoo

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich is hosting an MLK celebration for families, complete with two performances for kids 3-12 and plenty of hands-on activities

There’s plenty to do on Monday, from a drop-in art class in Novato (stop by any time!) to a family day of volunteering in Oakland

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

4 Reasons to Love Your New Commute

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:02:00 +0000

Chances are your move to the ‘burbs comes with an increased commute time. Whether you’ll be hopping on a train or bus or, even, jumping in your car or on your bike, it’s likely you’ll commit an extra hour or two (or three…) each week to getting to and from work. But before you reconsider suburbia for a quicker round trip, consider the benefits of an AM/PM commute -- more often than not, suburbanites come to enjoy this daily routine and, with it, some surprising perks you won’t find in your now-short city sprint to the office.

Take time to map out your day’s goals

Walking in the office can, often, feel like being shot out of a cannon. Before you can even get to your desk your email is buzzing, phones are ringing and there’s a fast-growing stack of to dos lining your inbox. The morning commute can be a great time to clear your head and begin mentally working through your goals for the day. Entrepreneur and author Thomas Oppong explains, “Start with the end in mind and focus on process that can get you there...You should have a clear sense of what is important to you and get to work immediately.” If you’re using public transportation, take time to jot down notes, create lists or outline your strategy for success. If you’re biking or driving, even a few minutes spent thinking through the day can have a massive impact once you get to work.

Learn, grow and get some “me time” in

While it may sound counterintuitive to the traditional “rush hour” mentality, commutes are a great time to tackle personal tasks that simply don’t have a space in your “real life.” Grab a book, audiobook or podcast and dig in -- it’s easy enough to read or listen no matter where you are and no matter how hectic the commuting universe around you feels. And if you get delayed or stuck between stations, exists or general congestion, you’ll have something to keep you happy and occupied -- a win/win!

Create new connections

If you’re commuting via train, bus or other public transportation, chances are you’ll begin to see the same people day after day. Use this as a prime opportunity strike up conversation with your new neighbors -- they are getting on at your stop, after all! -- or, even, to network with colleagues or others in your industry who you may not see or have the chance to engage with on a regular basis. Look for clues like trade publications, letterhead or documents from area schools or other go-tos, then find a prime time to engage and introduce yourself. This could become the perfect environment for building both your personal and professional circle!

Spend time together

Many couples or families, even, wind up commuting to or from the city each day -- so make the most of it! Like walking into the office, coming home at night can be hectic at best -- there’s dinner to make, lunches to prep, homework to review and other daily must-dos. Taking a few minutes during the commute to discuss upcoming plans, pay bills, work through calendars and, even, just chat for a few undisturbed minutes can be a welcome add-on to your morning or evening routine. By the time you walk through the door at home you’ll feel refresh, recharged and ready to tackle it all.

Same goes for co-workers, too. If you’ve got a colleague who makes the same AM or PM run as you, use that as an opportunity to get work done without the hustle and bustle that’s often happening in an office. Schedule “commute meetings” on the train, bus or during a car pool and, chances are, you’ll get through your work even faster than you would on the clock and -- bonus! -- you’ll never need to stay late or come in early to meet with one another.

If you’ll work in the city post-move, chances are you’ve got a solid commute ahead of you. The average New Yorker spends between six and seven hours commuting per week, while in LA those working in the city can expect to commit four to five hours per week for their daily commutes. Chicago, San Francisco and Miami aren’t far off, either meaning, no matter where you’re heading, it’s time to embrace the commute and all of the incredible benefits that come with it. After a few weeks you’ll no doubt see the perks that come with this uninterrupted time. Happy commuting!

Considering making the leaps to the 'burbs in 2016? Start here: with Suburban Jungle’s online questionnaire. This online tool was designed to streamline your conversations and get you started on the path to suburbia. It's fast, it's easy and it will no doubt help you start digging in now.

THIS WEEKEND IN THE 'BURBS: JANUARY 8-10, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 18:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday -- and HAPPY 2016! We’re well into the month now and, already, this year is shaping up to be a great one, especially on the real estate front. Here are some trends, tips and unique insights we were buzzing about this week:

There are plenty of pro-buyer trends bubbling to the surface this year…
Need another reason to leave the city? The median sale price in Manhattan just hit a record high, of $1.15 million. And NYC’ers aren’t along -- the median sale price in San Francisco is right there, too.
And when you do move, are you looking to move near Mom? You aren’t alone. The average American lives just 18 miles away from their mother.

Heading to the ‘burbs this weekend? Why not snag some great eats at local farmers markets? Even though the temperatures are (finally!) starting to drop from coast to coast, these winter markets are still open for business -- and definitely worth a visit.

Heading out of NYC? Long Island Green Market has winter go-tos all over the Nassau and Suffolk, including must-sees in Long Beach, Huntington Station and more. In New Jersey, Denville and Morristown are popular weekend stops for families, with bustling farmers markets with tons of local goodies.
The Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market was voted Walnut Creek’s favorite farmers’ market by Walnut Creek magazine -- and with good reason! With a gourmet ambiance, seemingly endless local treats and, even, a Kid’s Craft Corner, this is a must every Saturday, all year long.
Outside of Chicago, the Glenwood Sunday Market is still going -- at least for one Sunday each month, in January, February and March!

Enjoy the weekend -- and wherever your suburban adventures take you!