Maren Droubay and her family recently relocated from Salt Lake City, Utah, to New York City, trading a six-bedroom house for a three-bedroom apartment. The move has resulted in a significant increase in their cost of living, but Droubay describes the experience as a dream come true for her family.
October 10, 2025, marked a new chapter for the Droubay family as they embarked on this life-changing journey. The couple, along with their five young children, had long desired to expose their kids to diverse cultures and experiences beyond their suburban life in Utah. Droubay explained, “We always wanted our kids to have more exposure to different parts of the world and different lifestyles than what we felt they were getting in Utah.”
Making the move was no small feat, as Droubay described it as one of the most challenging undertakings in her life. The family had lived in an older home, which required extensive updates before it could be sold. Downsizing was another hurdle; they had to part with much of their furniture, lawn equipment, and even their two cars. Droubay shared, “I decreased all of our clothing to a quarter of what we had.”
Finding suitable housing in New York City added another layer of complexity. Droubay utilized social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit to connect with potential landlords. “I posted, ‘We’re moving. We need three bedrooms. This is the ideal block radius we want to live in. Does anyone know of anything?’” she recalled. A fortunate connection led to a perfect apartment in the desired area, complete with amenities such as laundry facilities and an elevator.
Inside the apartment, the family has made adjustments to accommodate their new lifestyle. The three boys share a room featuring a triple bunk bed, while the two girls have their own space equipped with a mini crib and a convertible twin bed. Droubay noted the breathtaking view from their apartment, which includes the skyline and even the Statue of Liberty. “When they ran into their new bedroom and looked out the window for the first time, it was one of those core memories that you never want to forget,” she added.
Preparing the children for the transition involved holding family meetings to ease their concerns and generate excitement about the new adventure. The family also created a bucket list of activities to explore in New York City, which they have been checking off on weekends. Droubay observed that her children have adapted well to their new environment, despite the emotional difficulty of leaving their home in Utah and saying goodbye to friends and family.
Living in New York City has brought both challenges and rewards. The Droubay family’s budget has changed drastically, with their housing costs doubling and grocery prices rising significantly. Droubay mentioned, “We were paying $2 for cereal in Utah, and now it’s $10 at our local supermarket.” Despite the financial adjustments, they have found some costs to be more manageable, like public transportation and free access to many museums for children.
The community dynamics in New York have surprised Droubay. Initially anxious about how their large family would be received, she has found that the majority of New Yorkers have been supportive. She shared, “I have been pleasantly surprised by how kind 99% of people have been.” Strangers often help with her stroller on the subway, and fellow passengers readily offer seats for her children.
While building a new support network in New York will take time, Droubay remains optimistic about the future. She hopes to create magical experiences for her children, reflecting on the saying, “It’s their day, too. It’s their life, too. It’s their childhood, too.” Her aspiration is that one day her children will appreciate the effort she and her husband have made to provide them with remarkable memories and opportunities.
In summary, the Droubay family’s journey from Salt Lake City to New York City illustrates the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream life. As they navigate this transition, they remain committed to making the most of their new home and enriching their children’s lives.
