An NYC couple finds their perfect Westchester town, with expert help from Suburban Jungle
When Jennifer and her husband started thinking about life beyond Long Island City, they knew one thing for sure: they were making this decision as a team.
“We both loved LIC—the parks, the water, the energy—but we also knew we’d outgrow it,” Jennifer says. “We wanted space. A yard. A place where our kids could run around without bouncing off apartment walls. My husband grew up playing football in his apartment hallway. We knew we wanted something different for our family.”
The Path to the Suburbs
The couple had always talked about moving. But once they had their first child—and with baby #2 on the way—they knew it was time to get serious.
Jennifer first heard about Suburban Jungle from a friend who moved to Westchester during COVID. “She knew someone who had worked with Suburban Jungle,” she recalls. “It stuck with me. So when we were finally ready to take the next step, I scheduled a consultation.”
That’s when Jennifer and her husband connected with Alli Levine, Director of Communications and a Strategist at Suburban Jungle.
Getting Aligned—and Getting Going
Their first strategy call with Alli set the tone for the entire process. “That call was huge. It got us aligned in a way we didn’t even realize we needed,” Jennifer says. “Alli asked really thoughtful questions—not just about logistics like commute times and school rankings, but about values, about the way we grew up, about what really mattered to us. It helped us start from the same page.”
Together, they decided to focus on Westchester County, balancing proximity to the city with a community-driven vibe. “My husband runs a business in the city, so the commute was important,” Jennifer says. “But we also knew we wanted a town that felt aligned with our values.”
Alli helped them narrow it down, recommending tours in Rye Brook, Harrison, Purchase, Chappaqua, and Armonk. “We explored a lot,” Jennifer says. “We went to brunch, drove around…That was so important—to see the towns, to feel them.”
Figuring Out What Mattered Most
Through the process, the couple gained clarity on what they wanted—and what they didn’t. “We learned a lot during the process,” Jennifer says. “We figured out the kinds of neighborhoods we were drawn to. And we started to picture what daily life would really look like in each town.”
One key decision point? Commute vs. space.
“I thought my husband would prioritize being as close to the city as possible,” Jennifer says. “But he surprised me. He said, ‘If we’re going to do this, let’s really do this. Let’s go for the space.’ That shifted everything. It helped us zoom in on Chappaqua and Armonk.”
Why Chappaqua Won
With baby #2 on the way, their timeline moved up quickly—and the housing search followed suit. “We started looking before Labor Day to beat the rush,” Jennifer says. “And we’re so glad we did.”
The house they found in Chappaqua checked every box: recently renovated, move-in ready, on a quiet street, and in a neighborhood with a real community feel.
“A lot of homes in the area needed major work,” Jennifer says. “This one didn’t—but it still had room for us to make it our own. And the street? It’s quiet, it’s welcoming, and our next-door neighbor has a son the same age as ours. That connection was immediate.”
She adds, “We haven’t even been here that long, but we already feel like we’re part of something.”
Her Advice to Other City Families
Looking back, Jennifer has a few words of wisdom for families considering a move to the suburbs:
Start with honest reflection.
“Talk with your partner about what you really want. Why are you moving? What do you value? That helped us so much—especially once we started talking to Alli and making real decisions.”
Give yourself time.
“We thought we had a full year to figure this out—then we found out we were pregnant, and everything sped up. Still, I’m glad we started early. We had space to explore and learn without pressure.”
Ask for help. And accept it.
“We outsourced as much as we could. I found an affordable interior designer who also helped project-manage the move. My dad came down every weekend in January to help get the house ready before the baby arrived. We called in every favor, and I have zero regrets.”
Make the new house feel like home—fast.
“My biggest piece of advice? Hang stuff up right away. That’s what makes it feel like yours. Do it while you’re still in unpacking mode, and suddenly everything feels settled.”
Suburban Jungle Made It Happen
For Jennifer and her family, Suburban Jungle was more than just a resource—it was a true partner in the process.
“Alli helped us go from dozens of options to a short list of towns that actually made sense for us,” Jennifer says. “And the fact that Suburban Jungle is completely free? That still blows my mind. It’s such a buyer-focused experience. We always felt like we were being guided—not sold to.”
Alli agrees: “Jennifer and her husband were incredibly thoughtful and intentional throughout the process. Our goal is to take all of those factors—your lifestyle, your values, your timeline—and help you find a town that truly fits. For them, that was Chappaqua.”
Thinking about making a move? Suburban Jungle’s free strategy sessions help city dwellers find their perfect town—before they even start house hunting. Schedule your free initial strategy session today.
