SHARE

City To Suburbs: Empty Nester Starts New Trend In Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Many people go from the suburbs to the city when they become empty nesters — not Ridgewood’s Rina Levy.

Rina Levy and her new Ridgewood home.

Rina Levy and her new Ridgewood home.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine

The technology entrepreneur and advisor recently purchased a home in the village, and while she says it would've been a great place to raise her family, she's happy to have it all to herself.

"I'm starting this reverse trend and want to tell everyone about it,”she said "I believe Ridgewood is the best kept secret for a strong community, high tech and business potential, and many other opportunities."

Levy is no stranger to the suburbs. After completing her service in the Israeli Defense Forces, she moved to Bethesda, Maryland, less than 10 miles from Washington D.C.

She spent some time in Silicone Valley, but it wasn't long before she began longing for the east coast, downsizing to a New York City apartment.

But ever since the kids moved out, something changed for Levy.

"While I like my small place here [in New York City]... there is something alluring about having roots in a vibrant, thriving suburban community.”

“I fell in love with Ridgewood."

Levy was not at all familiar with New Jersey when she began looking for a suburban home.

Upon researching the village and other Bergen County towns, however, she found the easy access to both nature and New York City unparalleled.

"I was looking for different way to be in the community," she said. "I found hiking groups and a sailing club in Glen Rock.

"I've been volunteering most of my life, but while my kids were little."

With several empty rooms in her home and much more free time, Levy plans on mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages.

That's something that would've been difficult for her to do out of a New York City apartment, she said.

"The idea is that it will be a broad spectrum of people who have business ideas and need help in making them a reality," she said. 

Levy speculates that the apartment was also keeping her from many friends and loved ones.

"Many people in my generation do not want to visit me in the city because of the hassles of driving and the expense of the bridges and tolls and the outrageous parking fees," she said.

"Aside from a nice house to host people, I was looking for a community."

"I am looking forward to having a warm home — and I really think I will.I feel very comfortable in Ridgewood. I am really dreaming about it."

to follow Daily Voice Fair Lawn-Glen Rock and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE