In American culture, we’re often told that bigger is better: start in an apartment, move to a starter home, and eventually land in your forever home. Somewhere in that story is the idea that the suburban dream of more space, quieter streets, and a bigger house will make you happier.

But not every move away from the city sticks.

In this episode, I talk with Alexis Adegoke, who moved her family from New York City to Texas, and then a few years later, with three kids in tow, decided to move back to NYC. I first discovered Alexis through a reel she posted while driving down an expansive Texas highway, explaining the decision her family had made to return to the city.

She says “the more our kids grew, the more we realized how much we were craving what we left behind… the walkability, the rhythm, the movement, the energy, the ‘step outside and the world is right there’ feeling we loved for almost a decade.”

I chatted with Alexis about that decision and what they have learned along the way.

Important Links:

👀 Follow Alexis on IG: @alexiskristiana

💻 Follow Alexis on Substack: The Unsubsurban Mom

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#49 - Unpacking the “More Space” Dream: When Bigger Isn’t Better