From Left: Uncle Karl, Diane (Mom!), Nana, Aunt Carla, Aunt Lynn (Mother-of-the-Groom) and Uncle Rudy
Lyle and I with my brother, Sam
I have to admit, there's a part of me that yearns for adventure. I've romanticized the notion of moving halfway across the world and defining myself as a free-spirited expatriate. Giving my bi-lingual children the opportunity for dual-citizenship seems a smart option given the global nature of the world today. And who wouldn't well-cultured kiddos? But then I spend a weekend like this one, hanging with my family, and I can't imagine moving so far away. Lyle and I are fortunate enough to both have family relatively close to each other. Mine in Harrisburg, PA and his in West Orange, NJ. All within a four-hour drive or less, we're lucky to see them often.
I elongated the weekend by leaving on Thursday and kicked off the fun with a mother-daughter Paint Nite at Gullifitys. Forty-six ladies all being instructed to replicate the same sample painting. Throw in some pineapple upside-down cocktails (the special for the evening) and all of us felt like artists. We had a great time and I'd certainly recommend the activity to creatives and non-creatives alike. ;o)
The following evening my cousin got married at Meredith Manor in Pottstown, PA. A gazebo, oodles of twinkle lights and the setting sun were the perfect backdrop to a wonderful evening full of love, laughter and dancing!
I have thought about what it would be like to move back to Pennsylvania. John Ed Pearce said it best, "Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to." My parents recently sold my childhood home and moved into a brand new townhouse less than five miles from the first house. They're loving their new digs. First floor master suite and laundry, view of the Appalachian Mountains and the HOA fees cover all lawn care and snow removal.
Since its a new development, houses continue to be built around theirs. I attended an open house for a model home identical to my parents. I admit my trip was as much about reconnaissance for Mom as for the post. My parents want to know they made the right investment. Turns out they did! According to the following numbers, they're hopeful that they have accrued up to $15,000 in equity within less than two years of moving in.
These 2,000 sf townhouses start at $240,000 and easily creep to $280,000 with upgrades. The HOA is $95 a month, in my opinion well worth it to cover all your outdoor needs. Chris, the realtor and my tour guide, did mention a number of other townhome developments being built in the Harrisburg area. Via the website, Classic Communities, you can view over twenty developments ranging in price from $160,000 - $450,000.
Although I don't think Lyle and I will be purchasing a townhouse in the central PA region anytime soon. We did have a relaxing, fun weekend with family. We realize that many things about NYC make it the best of both worlds. A global hub, with all the diversity and pizzazz that competes with any city in the world AND family being no more than 150 miles away. Perhaps we should continue to stay put?