As I start to pack and plan my move, I’m getting a bit sentimental. The house I’m leaving is my dream home and by far the best house I’ve ever lived in (finished or not). Makes my dream brownstone pale in comparison. Unfortunately, small town Beacon isn’t a perfect fit for me and I can’t take the house with me.

I’ve lived in a gazillion places in my lifetime. My parents moved more than a few times, then I followed in their footsteps. We lived in East Flatbush during my childhood, then Wurtsboro, NY for a few years while keeping the Brooklyn apartment. When my parents moved back to Brooklyn (I told you I’m following in their footsteps!) we lived in Midwood. Then Coney Island.

As soon as I was old enough to move out, I went to the city, then chose to live in brownstone Brooklyn. A bunch of different neighborhoods over the years. I’ve also lived in London, Bavaria, Kingston, NY and The Castro in San Fransisco. None of the long distance places for longer than a year. I always come back to NYC.

So, what makes me smile most when I look back?

Nicest apartment ever: The first apartment my husband and I shared alone, minus roommates, in Ft. Greene. Circa 1988. It was a gorgeous brownstone parlor floor with a young, first time landlord. In other words, he cared about the place.

Best neighborhood I’ve ever lived: Coney Island. Maybe it was because I was at that carefree age, but I loved living in Coney Island! The amusements, the beach, the aquarium, the handball, the flea markets, the boardwalk. It was a trek on the subway, but if the city hadn’t been calling my name at all hours, there would have been plenty to do right in the neighborhood.

So, that’s my story. What about you???