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When Business Insider Senior Editor Lydia Warren left New York City for a small town in the Catskill Mountains, she expected life to be quieter, simpler, and cheaper. While she got the peace she was looking for, the cost savings didn’t materialize the way she thought they would.
Small Town Perks Come With Hidden Costs
Warren explained in a recent BI article why she and her husband sold their Long Island home in 2021 and headed three hours north to a rural town of about 1,600 people. They were drawn to the Catskills by the scenery, space, and slower pace. “We’ve always loved the Catskills for its outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and quieter way of life,” she wrote.
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What they found was a strong sense of community, better-than-expected healthcare, and a lifestyle that felt more grounded and personal. “People really do say hello to everyone they pass on the street,” Warren said. After years in the city, she was surprised by how much she appreciated that.
Wait times vanished too. In Brooklyn, visiting the post office or a doctor meant long delays and crowded spaces. Now, errands are fast and friendly. Even when she gave birth at the local hospital, the experience was calm. “Only one other child was born in the hospital that night,” wrote for BI.
But the move also brought some surprising financial realities. While property taxes were significantly lower, about a fifth of what they paid on Long Island, many other expenses added up quickly.
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Higher Bills, Longer Drives And Fewer Services
“I naively thought everything would be cheaper here,” Warren admitted. Gasoline and car maintenance costs are higher due to the amount of driving. Heating bills in the winter are roughly four times what they used to pay. Even groceries can be more expensive, with some cereal boxes priced at $10.
Another challenge: basic services that were once included now require extra effort and cost. Trash pickup, for example, isn’t covered by taxes. Residents either haul their own bags to the waste station or pay for private collection.
And forget about convenience. Warren described life in the Catskills as a total shift from the 24/7 lifestyle of New York City. The nearest supermarket is 30 minutes away, and public transportation is almost nonexistent. “Absolutely nothing here is convenient, but surprisingly, that’s OK,” she wrote for BI.
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Despite the trade-offs, Warren said the move brought more joy than frustration. She found it easier to make friends, appreciated the change in wardrobe from tailored coats to snowshoes, and loved seeing the stars at night. The distinct seasons, dramatic wildlife, and five-minute access to epic hikes made it all feel worth it.
“Other millennials who fled big cities during the pandemic have expressed regret over their decisions,” she wrote. “But that has not been my experience.”
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This article She Moved From New York City To A Rural Mountain Town. ‘I Naively Thought Everything Would Be Cheaper Here’ originally appeared on Benzinga.com