Coming to New York City Podcast

In this episode of the Coming to New York City Podcast, Nils and I take you inside our own neighborhood, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We're joined by our daughters, Emery and Shelby, who share their perspective on what makes life here special and where they'd rather hang out. We swap stories about our favorite restaurants, stores, breakfast and coffee spots, and treats, and talk about the everyday rhythm of life in Greenpoint. Along the way, you'll hear what we love most about living here, what challenges we've run into, and why this neighborhood still feels like home after all these years. If you've ever wondered what everyday life in Greenpoint feels like—not just the highlights on a map but the real rhythms of food, family, and community—this episode gives you a glimpse into why it's one of our favorite places in the city.

In this episode of the Coming to New York City Podcast, Nils and I take a deep dive into our journey of living in New York City through four very different apartments over the past 11 years. From a creaky brownstone walk-up in Park Slope to a doorman building on the Upper East Side, a spacious four-bedroom on Roosevelt Island, and now our home in a modern Greenpoint high-rise, we share the pros and cons of each space. You'll hear our stories of raising kids in small apartments, dealing with mice, navigating one-bathroom living, and discovering the value of neighborhood community. We also compare practical details that can make or break an NYC apartment and offer advice for anyone considering a move to New York. Whether you're curious about real estate, planning a move, or just love hearing real stories of city living, this episode shares honest insights into what it's really like to live in NYC.

Catch up with Nils and I as we share how I earned a Mediterranean cruise! Our family flew to Rome and stayed in an Airbnb to explore the city before our cruise. Experiences like a golf cart tour to see hidden gems of Rome, a pasta-making class in a local home and seeing incredible landmarks like the Colosseum helped us quickly fall in love with The Eternal City and its people. There's so much adventure you don't want to miss! You'll also get to learn about our budget travel tips, recommendations for tours and activities and insights into Roman culture and cuisine. Tune in now, only here at the Coming To New York City podcast.

Join me along with Nils as we provide an update on our first year back in Brooklyn after living in Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. In this episode, we share what we love about Greenpoint, from the neighborhood vibes and stunning views of Manhattan to the diverse restaurant options. We also reflect on our decision to transition our daughters to online school, a choice that has exceeded our expectations by offering more flexibility, quality family time, and a sense of responsibility for the girls. Tune in for an insightful and personal look at our life in Greenpoint, only here at the Coming To New York City Podcast.

Is NYC safe in 2024? Let's dive into our personal experiences with safety in New York City, drawing from our years of living here. We tackle common worries regarding crime, homelessness, and protests, balancing acknowledgment of real issues with the observation that day-to-day life typically feels secure. With a bit of basic awareness, visitors can fully enjoy what the city has to offer. We offer practical advice, such as steering clear of loitering areas and staying vigilant in transport hubs. Overall, we're optimistic about NYC's progress on crime, and we encourage travelers to reach out to Katie for expert trip planning advice to make the most of their time in this dynamic city.

In this episode, we'll be discussing the recent fare increases and refreshing your memories on our top tips for navigating NYC's iconic subway. Join us as we explore the intricacies of these fare adjustments, shedding light on how they impact daily commuters and visitors alike. We'll also dive into the modernization of payment methods, from MetroCards to contactless options, making your subway experience more convenient than ever. Whether you're a New Yorker navigating the daily commute or a traveler exploring the city that never sleeps, this episode will bring you up to speed on the latest developments in NYC's subway fare structure and payment modes. Catch this discussion only here on the Coming to New York City Podcast,

When parents find themselves with an empty nest for a glorious two weeks = Heaven! Join us as we delve into the stories of how these pockets of child-free time spark adventures, rejuvenation, and reconnection. From seizing the chance to explore passions to enjoying uninterrupted date nights, our conversation unveils the transformative power of this brief hiatus from parenting duties. Tune in to reminisce, laugh, and be inspired by the tales of making the most out of these cherished breaks–only here at the Coming to New York City Podcast.

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moments that ignited Katie's desire for change, the career that almost was and how this podcast inspired a new path. Tune in now to find out what exciting new endeavor Katie has chosen and how it can actually benefit you, only here on the Coming To New York City Podcast.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, join Shelby and I as we talk about our NYC favorites and best moments while living here in the Big Apple. With Shelby's infectious enthusiasm and unique perspective, this episode will immerse you in the magic of the city that never sleeps and leave you inspired to discover your own New York City story. Grab your favorite drink and wear comfiest clothes, 'cause this episode is about to make your heart melt with Shelby. Join the conversation, only here on the Coming to New York City podcast.

One of the most exciting things about moving into a new neighborhood is meeting new people and finding hidden gems. Today we'll introduce you to Perri Salka, the owner of the cutest little shop in Greenpoint: The WonderMart. So many people come to the city to get something from it but Perri has come up with a unique was to add to her community by supporting local artisans. Listen to find out what makes The WonderMart different from other stores and what it took to get there. Prepare to be inspired by Perri's vision and then get excited about coming to visit the WonderMart! It's all here on the Coming to New York City podcast.

We finally moved in! As we unpack boxes and decorate our new place, we'll discuss the excitement and challenges of turning a blank canvas into a cozy, personalized home. From navigating the quirks of New York apartment living to discovering the best local services and amenities, we'll provide insights and recommendations to help fellow New Yorkers make the most of their own moving experiences. Join us on this new episode as we share our adventures, insights, and anecdotes from our recent move into a new apartment in the vibrant city that never sleeps. Whether you're a current resident, a future New Yorker, or simply intrigued by the energy and charm of this iconic city, this episode is your insider's guide to living the New York dream–only here on the Coming To New York City podcast.

Get ready to discover a side of New York City that you won't find in the guidebooks! In this episode of "New York City Icks," we're shining a light on the challenges and issues that are all too real for the city's residents. We'll talk about the crowded subways, the high cost of housing, and the environmental hazards that come with city living. But we'll also explore potential solutions to make life better for all New Yorkers. Whether you're a local or a curious visitor, join us as we take an honest and thought-provoking look at the "icks" of New York City–only here at Coming to New York City Podcast!

It's moving day for the Smith family! Moving in NYC can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. In this episode, Nils and I will talk through our comprehensive NYC moving checklist. From finding a reputable moving company to navigating the building's moving rules, listen in as we talk through it all. Whether you're a checklist pro or new to the game, we highly recommend creating a comprehensive moving checklist for your upcoming move. Tune in and get ready to tackle your NYC move like a pro!