Why I moved to NYC from Newport Beach, CA: To create a new semi-retired life
- Fran Rahimi paid $436,000 for a 540-square-foot studio with a balcony in a Lenox Hill co-op building
“For my age, I think it’s good to live in one of the less touristy neighborhoods,” Fran said.
After a long career, Fran Rahimi decided to leave California to settle near her son in New York City as she moves closer to retirement. She finds the city’s high energy and walkability good for her mental well-being. Here’s her story as told to Kelly Kreth.
I was born in Mashad, Iran, where I lived until I was 19 years old. Most recently I was living in California.
In 1999, I bought a four-bedroom, three-bath duplex for $530,000 in a Newport Beach neighborhood called Corona Del Mar. The place had a beautiful floor plan and was a seven-minute walk to the ocean.
I lived there until my daughter left for college, and then in 2005 I rented an apartment in downtown Los Angeles for $1,800 to be closer to work and avoid a long commute. I was a project manager with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
[Editor's note: Brick Underground's series The Newcomers features first-person accounts about why a renter or buyer decided to take a chance on NYC.]
I initially rented out my duplex but then used it as an Airbnb. I eventually bought a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Los Angeles and kept the Corona Del Mar home.
Corona Del Mar is the jewel of Newport Beach. The beach is exceptionally beautiful and within walking distance of art galleries, a big outdoor mall, and restaurants. The weather is perfect and the architecture and landscaping are tourist attractions.
Across the street from my home was high-end shopping, ample grocery stores, and restaurants. Ordering in was easy, but sometimes picking things up was even easier because it was just a few feet from my door.
There was much to do there: tennis, happy hours, art exhibitions, family gatherings, opera, and concerts.
Why she decided to move
Since 2020, my job has required me to travel, particularly to the East Coast and Puerto Rico. I decided to move to New York City to be closer to my son, who lives there. I was spending a lot of time with him, and I fell in love with all the city offers. I also felt that I need a high-energy environment.
I am transitioning to semi-retirement and wanted to create a new life based on my mental well-being. I am also a longevity coach and know social engagement, physical activity, and good nutrition are so important. Living near Central Park was also a priority.
I decided to take the leap in 2023 and I probably researched more than 100 properties on the Upper East Side.
My son recommended Marji Wollin, an agent at Keller Williams NYC. She was great at listening to my needs and found me a place that offered comfort and uniqueness.
I told her I wanted a studio for under $500,000, close to the park, and with a balcony. She was prompt and informative about all the listings we saw, and when she found the one I ultimately made an offer on, she encouraged me to act fast. Everything from offer to closing went smoothly because she was always one step ahead.
In buying an apartment in NYC, the terminology is different, but the search is the same. I am active in construction industry due to my architectural background and have lived in many other states. The board package and dealing with lawyers rather than escrow companies is different, but the documentation process is the same.
What she likes about her new place
My apartment in a co-op building in Lenox Hill is exactly what I asked for. My studio is roughly 540 square feet and I paid $436,000 for it. It has a tub, lots of closet space, and built-ins. The balcony is six-by-nine-feet and gives me a great view. The kitchen is open plan with a door to the balcony, which makes it feel more spacious.
The appliances and floors were used so I replaced them. There is a very clean basement laundry room and the machines are always available.
I bought all new furniture and building staff were extremely helpful in assembling and moving the furniture. Their cooperation was beyond my expectation.
The building is clean and peaceful with beautiful architecture and new technology and elevators that work seamlessly—a combo of old and new.
What she likes about the area
I enjoy the fact that the Upper East Side is a family-oriented neighborhood with great restaurants, and museums, Central Park, art galleries, and shopping. For my age (68) I think it’s good to live in one of the less touristy neighborhoods and since I am at the border of Midtown and the UES, I have easy access to many of my frequent destinations.
I love Art with Love free painting classes on 62nd Street and Lexington Avenue. I found this and other activities on the NextDoor app. I enjoy eating at restaurants such as Marlow and Amaranth.
I do not have a car here so I use the subway and buses. I love the fact that walking is encouraged here and feels safe; it’s a good part of my health plan.
As a senior it takes a bit of time to establish new friends. My friends in California remain my besties, but I have established new acquaintances, including my agent Marji. I am also grateful for the good neighbors I have and being close to my son and his friends, who all help me experience NYC life to the fullest.
I plan on staying and relish my decision to move to NYC. It’s a dream for many.
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