Additional Coverage:
- My family of 7 moved from a 6-bedroom home in Salt Lake City to a 3-bedroom apartment in NYC. Our cost of living went up, but it’s worth it. (businessinsider.com)
From Salt Lake City to the Big Apple: A Family’s Leap of Faith
New York, NY – Trading the familiar mountains of Utah for the iconic skyline of New York City, Maren Droubay, 32, and her husband embarked on a monumental journey with their five young children. Their move on October 10, 2025, from a six-bedroom house in Salt Lake City to a three-bedroom apartment in the bustling metropolis, marked the culmination of a decade-long dream, albeit one that came with significant adjustments.
The Droubays, originally from the Salt Lake City area, cherished their proximity to family and nature but yearned for their children to experience a broader spectrum of lifestyles and cultures. “Utah is home,” Droubay explained, “but we found ourselves traveling all the time.
We were always on the road.” The allure of New York City, a place they frequently visited and adored, became an “impossible dream” until a job opportunity for Droubay’s husband finally materialized.
The transition, however, was anything but easy. “Moving our family from Utah to New York was probably in the top 10 hardest things I’ve ever done,” Droubay admitted.
The family undertook extensive renovations to sell their Utah home, followed by a drastic downsizing of their belongings. From furniture and lawn tools to two cars, nearly everything had to go, with clothing reduced to a mere quarter of their original volume.
The logistical challenges extended to finding new doctors and enrolling their children in a new school system. Despite the hurdles, Droubay expresses immense relief, stating, “Every day, I cannot believe we live in New York.”
Finding their current three-bedroom apartment in New York was a stroke of luck, or as Droubay describes it, “kismet.” Utilizing Facebook groups and Reddit, she posted her family’s specific needs, including a desired neighborhood.
A timely response from someone moving out of a three-bedroom apartment with laundry and an elevator proved to be the perfect fit. The family secured the apartment sight unseen, relying on video calls and a leap of faith.
Their new living arrangements are a testament to efficient space utilization. Three boys share a triple bunk bed in a large bedroom, while the two girls occupy a second bedroom with a mini crib and a versatile twin bed.
Maren and her husband have their bedroom at the front of the apartment, and the family enjoys two bathrooms. A highlight of their new home is the stunning view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, a vista intentionally given to the children.
Droubay recalls the “core memory” of her kids’ excitement upon seeing the view from their new bedroom for the first time.
Preparing the children for such a significant move involved weekly family meetings, where questions were answered and pictures of New York were shared. A family bucket list of activities to do in their new city kept spirits high.
While the initial excitement was palpable, the emotional weight of leaving their only known home, friends, and close family in Utah eventually settled in. Droubay emphasized allowing the children to process these mixed emotions, acknowledging that it’s “OK to feel happy and sad or excited and scared at the same time.”
Droubay initially harbored concerns about how a family of seven would be received in a dense urban environment. Her fears, however, were quickly allayed.
“I have been pleasantly surprised by how kind 99% of people have been,” she shared. From strangers assisting with strollers on the subway to offering seats to her children, the community has been overwhelmingly supportive.
This stark contrast to the isolation often experienced in suburban life has been a welcome change, fostering new connections and interactions. However, Droubay acknowledged the challenge of rebuilding their support system, a “village” that takes time to cultivate.
Financially, the move has brought a significant increase in expenses. Housing costs doubled, and groceries saw a 30% surge.
Despite these increases, some aspects of city living proved more affordable than anticipated. Public transit eliminated the need for car payments, gas, and insurance.
Furthermore, New York residents often enjoy free admission to museums, and children frequently enter attractions free of charge. Ultimately, the Droubays believe the increased cost is a small price to pay for their newfound happiness.
“My husband is 10 times happier because he’s actually working in the city where his job is located,” Droubay noted. “He’s way happier, and I’m way happier.”
At its core, the Droubay family’s move is driven by a desire to create a “magical” childhood for their children, filled with unique experiences and lasting memories. Droubay believes in empowering her kids to understand that they can forge their own path, rather than simply following conventional norms.
“You can take life by the reins and change it,” she asserted. She hopes that one day, her children will appreciate the effort she and her husband have invested in providing them with an extraordinary life.