I feel like it was just yesterday that I moved back to DC from Los Angeles. A little backstory for those who joined my journey within the last year, I somewhat consider myself a bit of a gypsy. Normally, I travel so much during the year that home doesn’t feel like this massive commitment, it’s more so a place to keep my things in between trips. Last year I struggled with changing my “home” location and ended up doing a 3 month test run in LA, you can read about that part of my life here. Since my LA stint ended I’ve been back in DC living with one of my best friends, who owns a gorgeous home here. I feel SO lucky to have been in DC for this weird and wild year. I spent so much time with friends, my brother who also lives in DC, and we all made the most of it. When I said goodbye to DC last time around I continuously felt unsure of my decision, there was this nagging feeling that my time in the city wasn’t complete.
Here we are, a year after settling back into DC, and my lease is coming to an end. Quarantine really changed my perspective on things, as I’m sure it has with everyone. For the first time in years I find myself reprioritizing things I’m looking for in a home. I want more space and a bigger slab of grass, closer to my front door, for Lemon to run on. I want to be closer to my parents. I want to be in a climate that’s warmer, so should things shut down again I can still get outside for walks and runs. That’s where my head was at when it came to finding my next lease, and yes I lease because I don’t want to buy until I know where I want to be for at least 5 years.
I had narrowed it down to two places, Newport Beach, CA and Tampa, FL. I fell in LOVE with Orange County when I was out there in October and honestly had it not been for COVID I think Newport would have won the race, but after thinking long and hard, now is not the time. In Newport I would be essentially starting from scratch, knowing only a few acquaintances. With everything being closed that felt scarier than normal. I have no doubt I can make new friends, but doing it in the middle of a pandemic felt extra exhausting. I also did the CA thing before and it was always a pain in the ass getting home to see my parents, or friends on the east coast. You pretty much lose a full day coming this way, no matter how you slice it. This isn’t to say that one day I won’t move to the OC, it just won’t be this next year. Sooooo… that leaves Tampa.
Tampa has been a contender in the past and there is a laundry list of reasons why I ended up coming back around to the idea this fall. First of all, the obvious, it’s close to my parents. I was born and raised in Orlando, just and hour and a half from Tampa. My mom and I are best friends, we talk anywhere from 10-20 times a day, so being within driving distance from her, and my dad, is an obvious gold star. Then there’s the friend group I already have there, including my best friend from childhood, a handful of friends from high school and more. I honestly know a bigger group of people in Tampa than I do DC. On top of that, I have friends in Orlando and other parts of FL, which will also be driving distance now. A few weeks ago I went there to tour places and ended up falling in love with this townhouse on Harbor Island, a cute community surrounded by water. From the minute I walked in the door it just felt right, and as someone who listens carefully to their gut, that meant something to me. I pretty much put in an application that night and haven’t looked back.
I’m going to miss DC more than I can begin to explain. This city saved me when I needed it the most. I moved here 3 years ago as really a broken and lost person. DC gave me a fresh start that completely changed the course of my life. As much as I have weeks where I’m over it, the amazing aspects forever outweigh those. I’m starting to cry as I sit here writing this because I hate the thought of no longer having a fall stroll through Georgetown to see the leaves change, or a random Wednesday afternoon coffee date with Riley. I’ll miss my people here who have been there for the tears and to pop champagne. No more Sweetgreen, Southblock or O-ku. I won’t be ok without the endless amounts of food options on any given day. Don’t even get me started on Barry’s Bootcamp… Ugh, I’m really going to leave a piece of myself here when I go. If you’re looking for a big city to move to, consider DC, you won’t regret it!
Riley and my friends will be here, so YES I’ll be back, probably more than Riley would like (as I’ve deemed his couch my guest room). The big move will happen mid-December and while my credit card isn’t thrilled about it, I’m having way too much fun decorating a bigger space. Thank you all for coming along with Lemon and I on this next chapter, we can’t wait to see where things go.
