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The family of five relocated from Knoxville to New York three months ago — itself a move that’s typically made in reverse — settling into a four-bedroom Park Slope apartment.
OLGA GINZBURG FOR THE NEW YORK POST
In a pre-war Brooklyn building, Lisa Miller cheerfully opens the door in khakis and a white-laced top with socks on — no shoes from the outside allowed in, especially on the day of a torrential April downpour.
From the entry, Miller — a photographer and content creator — waves to her neighbor. She and her family already seemed acclimated to Park Slope and the people in it, despite the short time they’ve lived there.
The Millers have called a roughly 1,100-square-foot unit their home for just three months after giving up their spacious life in Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s a move not typically heard of, and particularly in the wake of 2020 uprooting the lives of many New Yorkers who headed in directions south seeking fewer restrictions, safety and cheaper prices. In 2024, the move in the opposite direction certainly goes to show that, for those seeking opportunities in a bustling atmosphere — such as this brood — New York’s still got it.
But despite the change in location, the family brought a sense of home and charm with them. Upon entering the four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, a whiff of a fresh ocean breeze scent fills the air — with Miller noting it’s one of Anthropologie’s popular Capri Blue candles.
Furniture and other items of decor are intricately placed throughout the railroad residence, as if this space has already been inhabited for years, not months.
“It’s my OCD,” Lisa told The Post of their new home already being perfectly furnished.
It’s a move that also shows will — an attribute that ties her family of five together.
During the pandemic and its aftermath, New York City witnessed a significant departure of residents. Between April 2020 and July 2022, the population of the Big Apple plummeted by nearly half a million individuals, constituting a 5.3% decline and erasing nearly three-quarters of the growth achieved in the preceding decade.
Factors attributed to the mass exodus the Concrete Jungle saw included high crime rates, affordability and space.
By contrast, the South grew during COVID, and accounted for a whopping 87% of the nation’s growth in 2023, though it holds just 39% of the population. Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida in particular have all received a number of new residents since the coronavirus years, and continue to do so.
Recent data also shows the family’s home of Knoxville, known as an up-and-coming city, is one of the fastest-growing mid-size cities in America.
More Americans are moving from large metropolitan areas to mid-size cities; Knoxville was among the top destinations, with 70% of moves inbound in 2023, according to a recent study released by Mayflower Transit.
And as opposed to Brooklyn, Knoxville offers the prime perk of space.
“In Knoxville, we had a full office, a studio, a dining room and an eat-in kitchen,” said Miller. “So by not having those things, that was probably a good 1,200 square feet there that we weren’t going to use anymore.”
Miller, along with her husband, Dusty, and their three children — 15-year-old daughter, London, and sons Cooper, 12, and Luke, 11 — signed the lease in November, though they didn’t actually move in until a month later.
The benefits of the move immediately became apparent.
“Our family has grown closer together since being here because we’re not going 100 different ways,” Miller said. “We’re all here together and there’s not as many people that we know here.”
Miller’s upbringing was somewhat different to the other kids she grew up up with, having moved from foster home to foster home.
“I grew up in a lot of really traumatic situations,” Miller said. “And so I always romanticized the city as this dream place. I was a creative as a kid. I drew, I sang, I didn’t start doing photography and decorating and stuff until I was older, but I’ve always been super creative and kind of saw New York as the stage for whatever that looks like for me . . . my whole life was like, ‘I’m going to live there.’”
Entering the cozy living room, neutral and color tones mix with an oversize couch to fit the whole family and a touch of vintage charm. Dusty, who works as a Department of Defense contractor, along with their daughter, London, join in on the conversation.
“I’m eating my way across the city and when we first moved here, adapting wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be, because I told Lisa it was kind of like when I was in college,” Dusty said. “I lived in downtown Knoxville. You would park a car and leave it there for a month. You walk to class, you’d walk to get food . . . So when we first got here, I said, ‘It’s just like being in college all over again.’”
What initially motivated them to make this big move: London and her aspirations as a dancer.
“I love it here,” London said, adding that she took delight in dancing at Manhattan’s famed Alvin Ailey.
“We had never even talked about the possibility of moving here, until she spent last summer here, at the Joffrey Ballet,” Lisa Miller added. “She did summer intensive, and they offered her a permanent spot. The option was for her to come here on her own. We are very tight-knit family. That was not ever really an option.”
The move was also beneficial for Lisa and Dusty’s youngest son, who has autism.
“For a child like Luke, who is high-functioning on the autism spectrum, with some learning difficulties and social difficulties, we just could not find a fit for him in Knoxville,” Miller said. “The way people receive and accept him here is different than in Tennessee. We already feel like he is surrounded by support and people who see him as being different as something special and good.”
Despite each person admitting that leaving family and friends behind was the most difficult part of the transition, they have found New York to be its own support system in many other ways. What’s more, they can thrive in a beautifully decorated space.
For her part, Miller adds that her inspiration of creating the interior was to do the opposite of what was trendy.
“Years ago, I did home decor influencing on Instagram,” she said. “And, embarrassingly, it was like the farmhouse era. Everything was so trendy and so when we kind of started over, I was like, ‘I don’t want to follow a trend. I really want to just put things on the wall that are purposeful and meaningful.’”
One wall in her living room is adorned with vintage frames of black and white photography, and the images are pictures of her family she took herself. The wall also included a map of Knoxville, paying homage to the only other place they’ve all really ever known.
Each bedroom is decked with its own flare and style. Luke’s room displays his favorite collectible trinkets. Cooper opted for a basketball hoop as the centerpiece. London’s room has bohemian energy, with blue and green tones.
Still, there are some quotidian nuisances. The family sees grocery shopping in the Concrete Jungle taking some time to get used to. Unlike in Knoxville, they cannot just load up a shopping cart full of groceries into the trunk of their car.
There is also using the subway as their main mode of transportation, instead of the convenient car, and having to find more affordable options for meals.
Meanwhile, they are no longer homeowners. Instead of a reasonable mortgage, they are now spending more than $5,000 per month on rent.
“I think the trade off for what we were looking for, which were creative opportunities, was knowing that we wouldn’t be owning a home,” Miller said. “That’s not going to make sense to everyone. And that’s fine, because the beauty of life is that we all get to do what we want.”
And so, a fresh start for 2024 is already off to a roaring start.
“We have been in Tennessee for almost 40 years. My whole life. So it’s been neat to kind of go and experience, you know, the exact opposite,” Dusty added.
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Jennifer Gould
Details include wood floors, exposed brick and six mantels.
Geraldine Pierson
Prolific luxury development architect and interior designer Morris Adjmi has just bought a charming townhouse in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene for $3.3 million, according to property records.
The neo-Grec property, on South Elliott Place, dates to the early 1880s. It’s by Fort Greene Park — where film director Spike Lee returned to host a late summer block party after a four-year pandemic absence.
The home, in the neighborhood’s historic district, had been asking $3.39 million. It will be Adjmi’s personal residence.
“After many years in the West Village, I’m excited to create a new home in Brooklyn on one of its most storied blocks. I look forward to reimagining this incredible property within the context of historic Fort Greene,” the ICFF’s 2023 designer of the year told Gimme Shelter.
The two-family property, which is just under 16 feet wide, has original details including wood floors, pocket doors, six mantels, moldings, exposed brick and some interior shutters. It’s one of several similar homes on the block, all designed by Charles Werner and built by Litchfield & Dickinson.
Before 1947, the home was a boarding house.
It last traded for $1.6 million in 2011, according to property records. “It’s too early for rendering,” said a source. “I don’t think even Morris knows what he will do with it yet.”
The listing broker was Natalie Rabaa of Brown Harris Stevens.
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If Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the third-largest city in the U.S. with over 2.5 million residents, second to Los Angeles and Chicago. For centuries, immigrants have been coming to Brooklyn and leaving their unique (and delicious) marks on the borough, making it one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the nation. Even today, Brooklyn attracts newcomers and families from all over with its excellent schools, booming job market, and a strong sense of community.
However, renting an apartment or buying a home in Brooklyn isn’t going to be for everyone. Fortunately, Redfin knows about countless cities near Brooklyn that may meet your budget and needs. Whether you’re seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle, a waterfront haven, or a culturally rich community, these cities provide a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget.
#1: Jersey City, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 8
Population: 263,000
Median home sale price: $605,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,085
Walk Score: 87
Bike Score: 70
Transit Score: 64
Jersey City is situated between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers, with a rich history dating back to its days as a hub for shipping and manufacturing. Now a modern urban community, old factories have been repurposed into office buildings and housing units, and abandoned rail yards are now landscaped parks. While living in Jersey City, you can explore popular attractions like Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, or visit one of the many museums or historical sites located in the city.
Homes for sale in Jersey City, NJ
Apartments for rent in Jersey City, NJ
#2: Hoboken, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 10
Population: 53,500
Median home sale price: $855,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,599
Walk Score: 97
Bike Score: 74
Transit Score: 78
Hoboken is a small New Jersey city west of the Hudson River that is only 1.28 square miles. It is referred to as “the mile square city.” Hoboken is well known for its being a historic city with a strong sense of community. It is also known for its diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to New York City.
There’s something for everyone living in Hoboken. Some of the many museums you can visit in Hoboken are the Hoboken Historical Museum, which is popular with locals and tourists, and the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. There is also a unique arts and culture scene, with performing arts venues such as the Hudson Theatre Ensemble and Mile Square Theatre. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at La Isla Restaurant and Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant for a small taste of what this city offers.
Homes for sale in Hoboken, NJ
Apartments for rent in Hoboken, NJ
#3: Union City, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 12
Population: 75,000
Median home sale price: $490,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,950
Walk Score: 94
Bike Score: 80
Transit Score: 54
Union City is a historic city located just off the Hudson River. It has a rich cultural heritage and a tight-knit community. Union City is easy to access from New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel, making it a popular home base for New York commuters seeking more affordable places to live.
There are plenty of things to do in Union City. For starters, you can check out the Liberty Science Center, which is a great place for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, you can explore the Hudson County Park system, which offers plenty of trails and activities. There’s something for everyone living Union City.
Homes for sale in Union City, NJ
Apartments for rent in Union City, NJ
#4: Newark, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 15
Population: 282,000
Median home sale price: $410,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,742
Walk Score: 76
Bike Score: 65
Transit Score: 51
Newark, located just a 20-minute train ride to New York City, is in the middle of all the action. With ample access to transit lines, a plethora of restaurants, and plenty of other amenities, Newark is a city of character and culture.
There is a lot to do for those living in Newark. You can visit the Prudential Center, the Newark Museum, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, or the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. You can also go shopping at the Newark Penn Station or dine in one of the many great restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for a night out, you can check out the Newark Symphony Hall or the Newark Bears Stadium.
Homes for sale in Newark, NJ
Apartments for rent in Newark, NJ
#5: Elizabeth, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 21
Population: 128,500
Median home sale price: $470,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,879
Walk Score: 80
Bike Score: 47
Transit Score: 54
Elizabeth, NJ is known for its large port and associated shipping industry, plus its role in the American Revolutionary War. The city has a rich history that can be seen through the city’s grand architecture, such as the Elizabeth Public Library and the Union County Courthouse. Warinanco Park and Elizabeth River Park are just two of the many parks in the city. There are also several museums and historic sites, including the Liberty Hall Museum, the Museum of Russian Icons, and the site of the Battle of Springfield.
Homes for sale in Elizabeth, NJ
Apartments for rent in Elizabeth, NJ
#6: Yonkers, NY
Miles from Brooklyn: 25
Population: 200,000
Median home sale price: $512,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,279
Walk Score: 69
Bike Score: 53
Transit Score: 37
Yonkers is the fourth largest city in New York, located along the Hudson River. It is the largest city in Westchester County and is home to many businesses and industries, as well as several colleges and universities. Yonkers is a diverse city with plenty of things to do. For starters, you can check out the Yonkers Raceway, which is a harness racing track that also features electronic gambling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go whitewater rafting on the Hudson River. And, of course, no trip to Yonkers would be complete without visiting the Saw Mill River, which is a popular spot for fishing. Yonkers is also a cultural hub, with the Hudson River Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, shopping centers, and arts and entertainment venues.
Homes for sale in Yonkers, NY
Apartments for rent in Yonkers, NY
#7: Edison, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 36
Population: 101,000
Median home sale price: $540,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
The city of Edison, New Jersey, was named after the famous inventor Thomas Edison. The town is very proud of its most famous citizen and has many tributes to Edison, including a museum, park, and memorial tower. If you decide to move to Edison, you can check out the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which is dedicated to preserving the site of the famous inventor’s laboratory. You can also head to Menlo Park Mall or one of the many other shopping centers in the area.
Homes for sale in Edison, NJ
Apartments for rent in Edison, NJ
#8: New Brunswick, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 39
Population: 777,000
Median home sale price: $312,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,385
Walk Score: 73
Bike Score: 35
Transit Score: 60
New Brunswick is a regional hub for central New Jersey and a commuter town for New York City. The city is the home of Rutgers University and is a commercial hub for businesses and pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson and Johnson.
There is plenty to do in New Brunswick. For starters, you can visit the Rutgers Gardens, which are free and open to the public. The gardens feature over 10,000 plant species, making them a great place to learn about horticulture. You can also explore the city’s rich history by visiting the New Brunswick Museum or taking a walking tour of the city. If you’re looking for a more active adventure, you can hike or bike through the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
Homes for sale in New Brunswick, NJ
Apartments for rent in New Brunswick, NJ
#9: Long Island, NY
Miles from Brooklyn: 49
Population: 7.7 million
Median home sale price: $634,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,220
Walk Score: 95
Bike Score: 94
Transit Score: 82
Long Island is a large island located in southeastern New York State, east of Manhattan. It is divided into four counties: Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk. Long Island is home to over 7 million people, making it the most populous island in the United States. The island is also home to two major airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. In addition, Long Island is home to many colleges and universities, including Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Nassau Community College. There are several things to do in Long Island, NY. One can visit the various beaches, go fishing, hiking, or biking. There are also some historical sites to visit, such as the Montauk Lighthouse or the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In addition, there are many museums, such as the Long Island Museum or the Nassau County Museum.
Homes for sale in Long Island, NY
Apartments for rent in Long Island, NY
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Brooklyn. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.