If you go around and ask your peers if they were born and raised in Rhinebeck, they’ll most likely say no. Whether they were born in Red Hook, Brooklyn, or even outside the US, Rhinebeck has an interesting mix of people from all over; most commonly from New York City, the city that never sleeps. The big apple is a place of dreams for most people, but to some in Rhinebeck, it’s just home. In this article, we’ll explore the experiences of those who traded city life for a small town living. We’ll investigate how they found our little town by the river and what they prefer: the country or the city.
Students’ Perspectives
We interviewed seven students from the big NYC and asked them questions about their transition. Generally, most were from Brooklyn or Downtown Manhattan and moved during middle school. They were surprised by the lack of diversity, less people of color, and the inverse relationship between cars and people they discovered as they moved north. Most were sad once they heard the news that they were moving upstate, knowing they would miss their friends and their old city life. People tend to visit the city once a month, if at all, and say that they miss living in the city, but many people also admit that they wouldn’t move back. Whether it’s the new friends they’ve made through school or not wanting another drastic transition in living, people don’t want to leave their new upstate life (at least for now). Below are three of the students we interviewed and what they had to say about life in Rhinebeck.
Annabelle Allman
Moved from Midtown Manhattan at age 12 during the pandemic’s decline, Allman initially found the transition challenging. The quiet countryside disrupted her sleep, and the increased car traffic was a culture shock. However, she appreciated the public school system and the ability to participate in after-school activities without additional organization. Her main critique? A desire for more fast, convenient, and cheap food options. She returns to the city only once a month.
Asa Rothenhaus
Rothenhaus grew up in North Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, until the age of 9, when he moved to Rhinebeck. When he first moved, the amount of white people and lack of diversity made it hard. He also misses the amount of food options other than Buns and Village Pizza. After living in Rhinebeck for a little while, though, Rothenhaus changed his mind and now prefers small town life. He likes Rhinebeck High School more than his previous school in the city. Rothenhaus visits New York City about twice a year.
Maya Hayes
Hayes relocated from Fort Greene at age 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayes struggled with the move, shocked by the area’s lack of diversity and reduced number of activities. The openness of local political and racial discussions surprised her as well. While she misses the city’s vibrancy, she appreciates the reduced dangers. Her wish for Rhinebeck: more convenient hangout spots for teenagers.
Adult Experiences
Along with interviewing students, we also interviewed two adults, Danielle Dugan and Nejla Liias. We asked them questions not only about the transition to Rhinebeck, but also about raising kids in New York City versus Rhinebeck.
Danielle Dugan
Having lived all over New York City, Dugan found city life challenging, but her transition to Rhinebeck brought unexpected challenges as well, including extensive driving and limited access to specialty services. She misses the city’s art, fashion, and culture but appreciates the increased safety and reduced “dirtiness.”A significant observation from. Dugan is the difference in cultural exposure. While Rhinebeck offers less diversity, she noted that New York City provides unparalleled access to different cultures, ethnicities, and ways of life – an opportunity harder to find in a small town.
Nejla Liias
Moving in 2013 due to a growing family and high living costs, Ms. Liias was surprised by the amount of driving required and reduced access to basic services. While she appreciated the increased outdoor freedom for younger children, she recognized that teenagers might find more independence in the city, and now that her children are older, some of them really miss the city.
Conclusion
Moving from New York City to Rhinebeck comes with a mix of feelings. Lots of people enjoy the peaceful vibe and close-knit community that comes with small-town life, but they also notice some significant differences, especially when it comes to diversity, culture, and what’s available nearby.
Both students and adults share a love for the safety and simplicity in Rhinebeck, but there’s still a real sense of missing the excitement and opportunities that city life offers. This transition isn’t just about changing locations; it’s more about growing and figuring out how to blend their city backgrounds with a new rural life. As they adjust, it’s clear that Rhinebeck isn’t just another stop for them; it’s a fresh start filled with new challenges and great experiences.
