From Boston to the Bay Area and everywhere in between, our team shares what makes their communities so special
Wonder what it’s like to live in some of our favorite towns? This Mother’s Day, we asked our Strategists to share why they love being a mom in their communities. Here’s an insider look at why these suburbs were perfect fits for our Strategists.
Bree Rotter, Head Strategist, Southern California
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, CA
I love living in Pacific Palisades — it feels like a small town in a big city. There are so many fun activities for the kids, from Little League to lacrosse to dance and art classes. And of course, there’s the beach, bring your boogie board or surfboard and have a picnic!
Barbara Hirsch, Head Strategist, Boston
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Wellesley is a wonderful community for our family, where the local options are endless. We live in a great convenient neighborhood with fantastic neighbors where we can walk to a park, trails, and food options just down the street. The public schools and sports programs are also excellent. So many kids walk or bike to school, go to the vibrant downtown after school or practice, and can have a feeling of some independence. We feel so lucky to live here!
Eleanor Johnson, New York City Strategist
Hometown: Larchmont, NY
I love being a mom in town because of all of the other parents in the community. Being surrounded by them makes me feel supported and lends a warm, kid-friendly vibe to the whole town. Andersen’s bookstore is a fave spot to meet up with other families. This place is relatively new and very popular for younger kids. Also, we like the Pop-in Play Cafe and DIY slime, a slime-making place started by two local moms.
Melissa Schneider, Head Strategist, South Florida
Hometown: Delray Beach, FL
Living in the Boca Delray area enables me to go from “country mouse vibe” to “city mouse vibe” in just one day because you get to live in a city with all of the benefits of suburbia. There are two downtowns with walkability, boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and open-air concert spaces.
There are tons of recreational activities for the kids — sports galore, including baseball, football, soccer, tennis, pickleball, golf, and art classes at independent mom-and-pop shops. We also love the Boca Art Museum and its impeccably maintained parks (one even has a carousel!), horseback riding, and nature trails. Oh, and did I mention the beach? You will never be bored!
Jana Stern, DFW & Austin Strategist
Hometown: Plano, TX
There is so much to do and experience all year round. Dallas has beautiful parks and nature preserves, outdoor shopping malls with entertainment for all ages, top-rated schools, plenty of children’s sports programs, and more. In addition, I love that Dallas is so welcoming & friendly! Dallas is such an amazing place to raise a family, and I am proud to call it my home!
Stephanie Kelmar, San Francisco Strategist
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
There are tons of fun parks in town. I live right around the corner from the Little League field and a short bike ride from the Art Center, where my daughter takes classes. We love walking to the local ice cream shop and taking the dog for a walk on the Baylands trail.
Jodi Bloom, Head Strategist, Philadelphia
Hometown: Wynnewood, PA
I love being a mom in the Philadelphia suburbs because we are surrounded by so many kid-friendly museums and activities in Philadelphia and easy access to the beach, the mountains, NYC, and Washington DC for fun weekends away.
Jen Schulte, New York City Strategist
Hometown: Dobbs Ferry, NY
Being a mom in the Rivertowns is great because everyone is very friendly, and it’s been so easy to meet people. Also, there are so many things for kids to do, and who wouldn’t love spending time at one of the waterfront parks? The Dobbs waterfront is great because they do jazz nights in the summer; there’s a playground and a little “beach.”
Pamela Goldman, Head Strategist, San Francisco
Hometown: Tiburon, CA
My day-to-day needs are a few minutes drive away — my kids’ schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and ice cream. Also, because of the trail that runs through town, my kids can bike to many of their friends’ houses. Finally, for “me time,” I can go hiking or hit a running trail straight from my door.
Want to find your new hometown? Let’s talk! Schedule a free strategy session now.