Ep #4: Chappaqua: Polished Charm with a Friendly Feel

Welcome to Your Real Estate Connection in Westchester. A show for people looking to buy or sell homes in the Northern Westchester County area. Join local real estate expert Harriet Libov as she shares her professional advice on the local real estate market, connects you with knowledgeable community residents, and gives you helpful insights behind the home buying and selling process. Now, let’s dive into today’s episode.

In this episode I’d like to give you a personal tour of Chappaqua. Back in episode three I mentioned that I live in Armonk, New York. Chappaqua is a neighboring town and before I found my home in Armonk my husband and I almost bought a home in Chappaqua. We lost a home in Armonk in a bidding war. And then it came back to us. So it was meant to be that the Libovs move to Armonk.

We worked with two different agents showing us homes in both towns. So when I began in real estate, I decided to learn more about Chappaqua and show both Chappaqua and Armonk so I could help my buyer clients by having the ease of working with one agent for both towns. The communities are very similar and I could have been just as happy living in either one.

Chappaqua is a hamlet within the town of New Castle. It’s bigger in population at about 9,498 as noted in the 2010 New Castle census, as compared with Armonk. The school district is larger as well. Chappaqua schools are known to be highly rated in the New York State public school system.

And I’m sure you know its most famous residents, Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have really embraced the town and all it offers. The hiking trails where Hillary walked in the woods after the 2016 election are right here in town. Actors Vanessa Williams and Ben Stiller are also residents and they can live as normal people here.

Located about 49 minutes north of Manhattan via the Saw Mill Parkway, and 45 minutes by train from Chappaqua to Grand Central, this town has a polished charm with its rolling hills, stone walls, and idyllic downtown streets. It’s a really community which is why it has always been a suburban outpost for New York City. It’s what attracts young people to Chappaqua today.

We’ll hear from two Chappaqua residents in the community who are raising their families here. Shane Dolce moved to Chappaqua from Manhattan in 2012 and loves her life here. And Erica Wohlstadter, born and raised in New York City, came here kicking and screaming seven years ago when her husband wanted a house in the suburb for their three boys. She will share the adjustment and how she has learned to appreciate what Chappaqua brings to her family and makes their life so wonderful here.

Thanks for being here today. I appreciate you tuning in. Let’s settle in and begin the conversation.

Buying and selling a home is an overwhelming process when you make a change of location, or just even decide to make a change within the town you live in. And it’s a huge asset in your financial investment portfolio, so that adds to the stress of the decision. As I’ve mentioned I always ask a lot of questions of my clients when we first meet. I always ask where they grew up and why they are thinking of moving to a particular town.

Each town has its own personality. Chappaqua has a long history of being the kind of town where most neighbors are close-knit and know each other by name. The main drag on South Greeley Avenue is lined with mom-and-pop shops that close their doors in time for everyone to get home for dinner. It has a quaint farmers market at the train station every Saturday that is very popular and truly wonderful.

And even though I began working in Chappaqua because it’s very similar to Armonk I find that many of my buyer clients want to be there and only there. They’re okay with the property taxes, which are higher than some of the other neighboring towns. They are okay to pay for the taxes because they already bear the expenses of private school in New York City, or they anticipate paying for private school in the city.

Choosing a town is one of the most important decisions a buyer will make. So, many buyers do their research online or with friends and before they meet me. And then invite me to help them navigate through their real estate process. For most buyers that look here, choosing to live in Chappaqua is not because they can’t afford southern Westchester towns. It’s because its central location is terrific and accessible in its own right. They want the country feel.

The pandemic created an incredible year for real estate in Chappaqua in 2020, both in volume of homes sold and the prices that increased. Now, in January, the inventory of homes to sell in Chappaqua has hit a record low. And I do believe the incredible buyer demand will continue to fuel bidding wars throughout the year.

Recently, Chappaqua has had a phenomenal jolt as a town. A renovation downtown widened the sidewalks and updated its friendly feel. And what used to be the Corporate Reader’s Digest Campus is now Chappaqua Crossing. Another upscale village within the town that houses a Whole Foods Market, Lifetime Athletic, a drive-thru Starbucks, office and medical space, and a freestanding community art center. Luxury town homes will soon complete the mix.

A big draw, an annual event in June, is the strawberry festival hosted by the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. For great food, live music, games, bouncy castles and a petting zoo right in the downtown area.

The Children’s Book Festival is also a super well attended activity. It’s a spectacular day. There are over 145 authors and illustrators that gather and have live story times. It’s widely noted magic is created when those who attend meet the people from behind the stories that their families love and learn from.

Now I’d like you to meet and talk to two terrific women who live in Chappaqua. They can give you some insight on what it’s like to live in this town.

Shane and Peter Dolce moved to Chappaqua from Manhattan in 2012. Their children are now 14 and 11. Professionally, Shane is a strategist with substantial experience in business and strategy development for mature and growth companies, as well as startups. But today, we will focus on her life in Chappaqua. Welcome, Shane.

Harriet: Hi, Shane.

Shane: Hi, Harriet.

Harriet: You moved here in 2012. I can’t believe it’s been that long. One of the things I’ve talked about, as far as how I work, is that I always ask people their why. And in that why, why that town that they’re looking to move in? Is it a good fit for that person? And for me to understand the fit, I always ask where people grew up.

So, you live in Chappaqua. Where did you and Peter grow up?

Shane: Peter and I grew up very differently. I actually was born in Westport, Connecticut, although you wouldn’t probably know by the accent. And my family and I moved to England when I was three after my father passed and my mother remarried. And in England, we lived about 20 minutes from Oxford and an hour from London and we had a lovely farm. And it was pretty wonderful actually.

Harriet: Sounds pretty amazing.

Shane: Peter grew up at the very, very tip of Coney Island in Brooklyn, in a community called Seagate until he was nine. And his family had been there for a very, very long time. And then from nine onwards, lived in Mamaroneck.

Harriet: Okay. So, he was familiar with Westchester. All right, so I get the nature part for you. Why did you choose to make your home in Chappaqua? I seem to remember, you were referred to me by your neighbor, and I had sold their friend a house in Armonk. So you reached out regarding Northern Westchester. What brought you to that point?

Shane: So, I think Peter and I always wanted to raise our children outside of the city, once they got into kindergarten. And we had lived in the city, both of us had our careers in the city and lived in the city a very long time. We like the proximity to New York City. But we’re also a big hiking camping family. So, the appeal of the lakes, and the woods, and the land in Northern Westchester was really very special for us.

Harriet: Make sense.

Shane: Also, Peter didn’t really want to go back to Mamaroneck. And we knew that we could get a bigger house and more land, the zoning is bigger here, for what we were able to pay. So that had a big appeal to us as well.

And finally, the schools have a wonderful reputation here. And we were quite excited to be able to raise our children in a system that had such a supportive School District.

Harriet: Right. Understood, and you’re not alone. I think that’s why most people choose Chappaqua. Shane, what do you think your kid’s favorite thing is about living in Chappaqua?

Shane: The kids enjoy living in Chappaqua, I think, because there’s a lot of different things they can access, not just here, but in very close by. So, for example, one of my children does theater over in Pleasantville, and has done some film courses over there at the Jacob Burns Center.

 

Harriet: Right, wonderful place.

Shane: My son has joined a mountain biking team that’s also in Pleasantville.

Harriet: That’s cool.

Shane: We actually haven’t done much in Armonk, I’m sure there are things there. One of my children skates down in Elmsford. Everything is really anywhere from a 5 to a 20-minute drive, you can almost get anything you like.

Another thing I love, especially for the sort of sports side, a lot of people move up into a suburb and they have visions of, you know, intense soccer playing teams, et cetera, et cetera. But the town of Newcastle offers, which is Chappaqua effectively, offers a tremendous amount of enrichment program that is incredibly affordable and a lot of fun. And it doesn’t have to be intense and serious. It can be a great way for your kids to explore different things that they might be interested in until they find those few things that they want.

So my son, for example, did woodworking in a little art center near here. So, and the library, oh my goodness, the library in Chappaqua is exceptional. It’s beautiful. My youngest and I were living in the library. My kids were three and six when I moved here, and we were there a lot. An incredible children section, lots and lots of wonderful things to do there too.

Harriet: That’s great. The Westchester library system overall, I think, is quite exceptional. And it’s nice to hear you speak, not just to Chappaqua, but to living in Northern Westchester. Because I agree, the surrounding towns do add a lot of flavor and options for any town here. And for you, what does it bring to your life living here?

Shane: Well, I don’t want to belabor the COVID thing because I’m sure people are very fatigued with the conversation.

Harriet: Correct.

Shane: But I have to say that living in somewhere that is so naturally beautiful, I feel very lucky. I can walk out of my door and, you know, have the freedom to move around, which I think people who do not live here are not able to. The nature of here, to me, really does literally feed my soul.

I also, I have my own company and I have for 20 years. And I’m close enough to the city that I can go and see my clients and be on site, prior to COVID of course, and hopefully soon when this is all over. It’s close enough that I get all of that wonderful client base down there, should I wish to do that. And when I do that, as well as being able to avail myself, of course, all the fun New York City things.

So I feel pretty spoiled, pretty spoiled, the best of both worlds with having all this beauty around me and being able to just, you know, hop down and avail myself of all the great culture of New York.

Harriet: I think you just answered my next question.

Shane: I’m sorry.

Harriet: That’s okay. See if you want to add anything to it, but one of the things that buyers do when they investigate a town is they go online and they read everything they can read. And they have so much information available to them. Is there anything that you think, aside from what you just shared with us, which I think was awesome, what someone might not know about Chappaqua other than what they read online? For somebody who’s listening.

Shane: Gosh, I haven’t really copiously read what is online about Chappaqua.

Harriet: Why would you?

Shane: I can only really speak to my personal experience. And, for me, I think what I would share is, when you first come to Chappaqua, there’s this moment of, “Oh my goodness, what have I done?”

Harriet: Right?

Shane: Especially if you’re moving from New York City. I had been in New York City for over 20 years. It’s a big change.

Harriet: Right.

Shane: And because a lot of the, not just the geographical difference, but the sort of, you know, the culture and the way people do things, it takes time. It takes time to find your people. And it’s not like in the city, when you are bumped up against each other, and you’re in the elevator, and you have no choice but to meet each other. Here it takes a little time. But when you do, and when you find your people, it can be very rewarding.

Harriet: I love that answer, because I actually had the same experience. And that’s not something I’ve yet spoken to on the podcast. But what I missed most from the city was the anonymity. And you can’t live in a community and get all the benefits of a community and still be anonymous. So, that was something I had to sort out. And it took some time, but well worth it in the end for the benefits of living in a community.

So thank you for that. That’s helpful. I think it’s something that people really can relate to. And thank you for joining me today. Great speaking with you as always. And I hope I see your family soon. And just guide through this pandemic. And we get there, and get on the other side, and see each other and give each other a hug. I’m looking forward to that. I know I always see you guys walking on Ludlow when I’m showing houses, so maybe that will happen this spring too.

Shane: Well, next time you’re on Ludlow, give me a wave. But it was lovely to talk to you today. And I always adore being in touch with you. You were our first person. It took us a long time to find something and you worked with us so closely. I, really Harriet, I felt like you really understood our family is quirky, and funny, and sprawling, and large. And you found us the perfect home. So we feel super lucky to know you and still know you. And I hope you and your family and your grandchildren stay well and I will wave to you when you are on Ludlow.

Harriet: Okay, thank you so much, Shane. I really appreciate that.

Shane: Be well.

Harriet: Bye.

Erica Wohlstadter’s mom and I met many moons ago when her brother and my son went to nursery school together in Manhattan. She was born and raised in the city and went to private school prior to attending Cornell. She is a former elementary school teacher, and currently a private tutor and pod teacher during the pandemic.

Erica’s husband, Mike, grew up in the suburbs and really wanted a house and suburban life for their three boys, ages 12, 9, and 5. They moved to Chappaqua seven years ago. And Erica can now say it was a positive move for her. It was a challenging adjustment period, but Erica truly appreciates the close-knit community feeling that makes Chappaqua so special. Welcome, Erica.

Erica: Thank you.

Harriet: And, as you know, this is about Chappaqua and when I was thinking to myself, “Who can I speak to about Chappaqua and who lives here?” It was a no-brainer. And that’s because of the stories that you have shared with me. I think it would be great if you can share it with our listeners today.

I always ask my buyers where they grew up. And in your case, it’s key to this whole conversation.

Erica: That’s for sure.

Harriet: Okay. And I know you were not thrilled to be moving to a house when you came here. But tell us about your story a little bit. And how where you both grew up affected your choice in choosing Chappaqua.

Erica: So, I was born and raised in New York City. I grew up in an apartment building where the closest playground was Central Park. We didn’t have any fields or grass to run around in. But that’s what I knew. That’s the only thing that I knew. In New York City, you’re never alone. You walk out your apartment building onto the sidewalk and obviously you’re surrounded by people, and noise, and buildings.

Harriet: And energy.

Erica: And energy, exactly. That’s 100%. And that’s not for everybody, but that was all I knew. So, I loved it, I loved being around people, I loved being able to pop into a store here and there to be able to get, you know, like as a young adult and a little older, get all my errands done within a certain amount of block radius. And there was always something going on, and every neighborhood is different, and it has a different vibe. And I just loved it, I loved the energy.

And as a child, you know, it really brought on this independence that I didn’t think you could find in the suburbs, I took the public bus to school every day with friends. I was able to go to stores close by with friends. You know, independently, I didn’t need my parents to drive me. And I really think that that stayed with me to this day. Because you’re not nervous around things that you don’t know. In the city you’re exposed to so much. Whether you take the public bus, whether you take the subway, whether you walk on the streets of all different neighborhoods. You’re really exposed to a lot of things that can shape who you are. You’re not afraid you’re not nervous.

And in the suburbs, you know, it’s the truth, you’re more sheltered. You’re driven around a lot by adults as a young person. You know only your communities, for the most part. And you know your neighborhoods, you know all your neighbors. So it’s really very different.

Harriet: What about Mike?

Erica: So he grew up in a suburb of Chicago. You know, and the Midwest just has a very different vibe, especially than New York.

Harriet: Very idyllic.

Erica: Very. It’s quieter, people are calmer, people might say that the people are nicer. And, you know, he came from there and I think it was probably similar to many New York suburbs. He played a lot of sports, he was able to go into his backyard. He was able to ride his bike to a friend’s house and not come home till dinner time.

Harriet: And he wanted that for the boys?

Erica: He wanted that for the boys. He had his community, he knew his neighbors. He loved that he grew up with the same people, really, from kindergarten, shall we say. And that is what he wanted for our kids. He wanted them to, you know, be on the soccer field and know most of the children. He wanted to walk through town and run into people and say, “Oh, hey.” He wanted to know his neighbors. And he also wanted to be in the quiet. That’s just who he is.

Harriet: Right.

Erica: You know, he lived in New York City for quite some time before we were married and as young parents. But it wasn’t a permanent thing for him. He didn’t want it to be permanent for him. He wanted more space for his kids. He wanted quiet. He wanted a community.

Harriet: I remember when we looked at, and I know you remember this too, when we went to a house. And it was a vacant house and the basement was vacant, and your three boys were running around. And I remember you said, “Okay, I get it. Like, you want this.”

Erica: It was, that was such a moment. They were running literally in circles, because we were in some basement, and they were so thrilled. And it was, it was like a light bulb, you know?

Harriet: Right.

Erica: And listen, I mean, I have three kids, three boys, and to be out here it really has been amazing. It’s been something that we’ve grown into. And it’s been amazing. The space, for the space.

Harriet: Right. So, the other thing I remember is that when you were doing your due diligence and trying to come to terms with what Mike wanted for your family, you came up to the Children’s Book Festival. And that was a very positive experience for you.

Erica: Very.

Harriet: So, I guess, do you have any advice for someone who’s coming here kicking and screaming the way that you were?

Erica: Yes.

Harriet: And how to do their homework to get more comfortable.

Erica: So, I would really say that you need to spend time in this town, or in the towns that you are considering. I don’t mean just grab something to eat. Walk around. You know, check out the people, have conversations with people in a store. You know, I would say to moms, “Go sit and get your nails done in one of the town’s to really get a feel for who else is here and what it’s like.”

You know, if for example in Chappaqua, you come up on a weekend in regular life on a Saturday or Sunday, kids are playing soccer in all the fields that are close to town, in the school field. Parents sit on the sidelines and chat. Then after you go grab a slice of pizza right there. And then on Saturdays the farmers market is going on you walk around there, you see people. It is just one of the greatest feelings. It is such a community here, including, as you mentioned, the Book Festival. Everybody comes out. Everybody’s around, you know, and then they have little bake sales along with the festival.

And Chappaqua is really big on that and they are great about that. Like the soccer fields, some are dispersed but some are in town. And like I said, you’re just walking around, “Oh, let’s go grab a slice of pizza afterward.” And your kid sees their friends walking to the farmers market too. You stop and see your friends. And then within the farmer’s market there’s a little area and my kids love to throw football around.

Harriet: Sounds like Mike got his wish.

Erica: He really did, you know. He loves it, just seeing the same, not the same people, seeing people you know, seeing your kid’s friends, your friend’s kids, it’s wonderful.

I would really recommend going and spending time on a weekend and getting a feel for the town and the people. The only way you’re going to be able to do that is to kind of immerse yourself in it for a day or so. And again, if there is a popular event going on, take advantage, go to it. Coming from experience, you really got to get a feel for it. And just, you know, dropping into a little store for a bite to eat, and then moving on isn’t going to do it, I don’t think.

Harriet: Okay, what was your biggest adjustment?

Erica: For me it was that I was all of the sudden spending a lot of time alone. I was alone in my house. You know, in my house that was a lot bigger than my apartment that I was used to. And then, if I had to do errands, I was alone in my car. And, you know, nothing is right here, you’re not going to get all your errands done in one swoop and in town. So it’s, you know, a 15, 20-minute ride. So, I’m going from alone in my house to alone in my car. And I was lonely.

And it was a big adjustment. I was used to being in the city, you walk out of your building, you say hello to your doorman. So from the get go you’re not alone. You walk down the street, again, you’re surrounded by that energy. You pop into a store, you maybe meet a friend on the corner and you’re going to go grab coffee. It’s just not as easy in the suburbs to do that. I missed the socialization, whether of strangers or have close friends.

Harriet: How do you think you resolved it? You just adjusted slowly or?

Erica: I adjusted slowly, I would definitely say slowly. It was coming to the realization that this is what it is, you know? If a friend has to go do similar errands to you, yes you can travel in the same car. But more likely than not, you’re not doing that. Everybody has got their own things they need to check off. Whether they’re working, whether they’re getting a lot of things done before they have to go pick up a kid. You’re just, you know, you’re in and out of your house, and maybe you’ll bump into someone. But you really kind of have to make an effort if you want to be around people, so to speak.

So I think just over time, I got used to it. And you know, it’s nice to be alone. I’ve gotten used to being alone.

Harriet: I was just going to say, yeah. Now, you can kind of enjoy it.

Erica: Yes. So, you know, I changed as I adjusted but my, you know, maybe preferences changed as well, I think.

Harriet: Mm-hmm. That’s interesting. So, I remember my first Halloween in the suburbs. And I know that’s something that when we’ve spoken in the past you mentioned that you loved. I guess we should preface this by saying that this is pre-pandemic.

Erica: Correct.

Harriet: This was a lovely Halloween for a lot of people in neighborhoods that made good adjustments.

Erica: Oh, definitely.

Harriet: But what was it like the first time, as opposed to you know, going into a building and ringing doorbells?

Erica: So, exactly, I had grown up always going trick or treating in the city, in a friend’s apartment building, in mine. The same with my kids. You know, it was the only thing I know. And that was another thing that my husband was like, “Are you serious? Like that’s what you think Halloween is?”

Harriet: It works on a rainy day really well.

Erica: Oh yes, amazing. Right, when kids don’t want to wear their jackets over their costumes it’s amazing.

Harriet: Right.

Erica: But that first Halloween, I truly remember, I live in a neighborhood that is really like a big community. And it’s a very popular place to come trick or treat.

Harriet: Right, you live in Random Farms, I think that’s It’s important for people to know.

Erica: Yes. Yes, Random Farms, which is a wonderful, wonderful place to live, especially if you aren’t sure about coming to the suburbs. It’s so family oriented, it’s wonderful. So, walking around that first time with, again, you’re seeing people you’re saying, “Hi.” You’re walking in a huge group with your friends and then your kid’s friends. And everyone is thrilled and happy, and Chappaqua really does it right.

Probably the Saturday or Sunday before Halloween, whenever it falls. Again, at the train station in the parking lot they have some small games, small bouncy houses, and bouncy castles. And the kids all come dressed in their costume. You get tickets, you wait in line, you go on the rides, you go on the bouncy castles. And then, at a certain time there’s a parade where everybody walks from the train station all through town, all the kids are in their costumes, I believe a marching band of sorts leads it. I mean, you just can’t get better than that, you know?

Harriet: Right.

Erica: And the stores are giving out candy. You can trick or treat in town, they give out candy. It’s really great. Again, it brings that community feeling just to the forefront. Which, you know what? That’s what this is about.

Harriet: Right. Exactly. I know schools were a big deal for you growing up and going to one of the finest schools in the city, as well as being an educator yourself. How has it been for you with your kids in public school coming from a private school education?

Erica: I have to say it’s been great. We are very, so far, very, very happy with the schools here. I have two boys in elementary school. And I have one in middle school, and he goes to Seven Bridges in Chappaqua, which is the newer middle school. I remember going around with you and, really, you pointing that out. And that was kind of, that really interested me.

I liked the idea of it being a new school. It’s beautiful. I think they have a whole STEAM floor, like in their lower level. You know, brand new with all amazing things and technology that the kids really take part in. It’s been wonderful. I mean, the work, he’s challenged, and he seems to really get attention from teachers. Which could be a worry if you’re coming from private school.

And my kids in elementary school have been so happy as well. They are just learning, thriving. You know, in the suburbs, they don’t pack the kids in the classroom. It’s different in public school in the city, where, you know, there could be 30 kids in a classroom. But out here it’s different. You know, there are 20, on average, you know, in your elementary school class.

Harriet: That’s a good number.

Erica: Yeah, it’s a great number. Kindergarten, each class has an aide as well. So that’s two adults to the classroom of 20. And, you know, they get to experience, they have gym, they have art, they have music. You know, maybe not as often or it might not be as flourishing as it is in the private schools, but my kids are challenged, and they’re learning. And really, they’ve had wonderful teachers who know what they’re doing. And they really seem to know my kids. I really, I couldn’t ask for much more. But you know, this is regular mainstream education, and I obviously-

Harriet: For each child, it’s different.

Erica: It’s different, exactly.

Harriet: You can’t know what your kids need when you move into a town and they are two years old and four years old.

Erica: Right.

Harriet: Because they haven’t developed and you don’t know exactly what they need.

Erica: Exactly.

Harriet: But you’re picking a school district, overall, that you think can fit your needs. And if not, you have to make adjustments.

Erica: Yeah, they have three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. So, each step your child is going to meet new kids, which I really like. I think that’s a big plus. You know, again, also if your child has friends from the other elementary schools, they could be with them in middle school, which is wonderful.

Harriet: And then they all go back to each other in the high school.

Erica: Exactly, and you’re still meeting new, you’re meeting a whole other half right? So that’s great.

Harriet: Right, right. And by the time they get to ninth grade they’re so much more open minded anyway that, you know, somebody that they didn’t think they wanted to be friendly with all the sudden they think that “Oh, that’s a cool kid.”

Erica: Right.

Harriet: Okay, so your enthusiasm is obviously boundless, which everybody can hear. So, just to wrap it up, what are you most grateful for that you decided to do this and that you listened to Mike and followed a path?

Erica: I mean, I have to say, you know, our family is really happy. Everyone is really happy. Speaking to you right now, it’s very interesting going after this entire year I am beyond grateful and thankful to be out here versus Manhattan because of COVID and everything. You know, I never felt stuck, and that is actually something I feel a lot. That in a snowy day, or on a nasty weather day, I never feel like I need to leave my house. You know, you have space to go into a different room, to go upstairs, to go downstairs. I never feel cooped up. Whereas in an apartment, you really can.

Harriet: Right. No, snow days are fun.

Erica: Yes.

Harriet: I look forward to snow days.

Erica: Definitely. And my kids just, again, in regular times in the gorgeous weather, no, I’m sorry, even with COVID and everything. In the summer and fall and spring, they were outside all the time. The catches, the shooting hoops, you know, and it’s proven amazing, because that’s how everybody gets together outside. You know, I’m very grateful and thankful for the space. And also, being out here, I truly feel in Chappaqua that people are down to earth. You know, I know this is a general statement, but, you know, what, we have found people who share our values, who are similar to us.

Harriet: And I think that’s in every community. You know, you have to find your people.

Erica: Exactly, exactly.

Harriet: But I’m happy for you that it was easy to do. Because sometimes it’s not easy to do, you have to weed through a few people to get to your people.

Erica: Sure. Right. Again, like I said, the adjustment was a journey for me, it was over a number of years. And I really know what it’s like to be unsure, or to wonder if you made the right decision, or to feel lonely or unhappy. You know, it was a big change for me, but our family, as a whole, it’s been really wonderful for all of us. You know, we all have different experiences. We’re all taking advantage of different things. And we’re very happy to be here.

I can’t believe I’m saying it. But I really, I really am. And like my husband loves, you know, he can’t believe it when I do say something like that.

Harriet: Right.

Erica: But it’s been great so far. And I know that Chappaqua is a really wonderful place to raise a family.

Harriet: Right. Well, thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Erica: My pleasure.

Harriet: And, you know, somebody may listen and give you a call. You never know.

Erica: I would love it. I would love it.

Harriet: Okay. All right. Thanks so much, Erica.

Erica: Of course.

Harriet: All right. Talk to you soon.

So, that about wraps up today’s episode about Chappaqua. Introducing my buyer clients to the town and getting to see their friendly faces through the years and watch their kids grow up is so much fun for me. Listening to the amazing memories that my sellers have created with their families when I list their home in Chappaqua is a story that is a pleasure to tell. That’s really the best part of real estate for me.

Helping my buyer and seller clients on their journey is really a privilege that enriches my life. That’s all for now. Until we take a tour of Katonah next episode. Thank you for listening.

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Thanks for listening to your Real Estate Connection in Westchester. If you want more information on the area or you’d like more info on local real estate visit connectnorthofnyc.com. See you soon.