I grew up in a suburban neighborhood, and like many people, I once believed that it was the quintessential backdrop for raising a family. I mean, envisioning hauling groceries onto a crowded subway with two kids in tow? That seemed like a scene from a chaotic movie, not my reality. However, after spending four transformative years in a bustling city for college, I realized that urban life isn’t just manageable for families—it’s vibrant and offers unique opportunities that I missed in my suburban upbringing.
When we think of the classic American dream, images of spacious houses with white picket fences often come to mind. Yet, one brave mom took to TikTok to challenge that stereotype head-on. Grace Morgan Berryman, a dedicated mom residing in New York City, boldly stated, “I am getting pretty tired of all of these people saying that you can’t raise a family in the city.” Her message resonated with so many because she spoke from experience.
Grace has lived the suburban life. She fondly remembers having a lovely house with a sprawling backyard, a spacious driveway, and the luxury of a garage. “And all of the benefits of the suburbs, and it is great,” she noted, acknowledging that life outside the city has its perks too. However, she passionately defended city living, sharing her family’s story in a way that felt relatable and down-to-earth.
“Sure, you’re not going to find a giant backyard here,” she explained, referring to their cozy two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side. “But what we lack in space, we definitely make up for in experiences.” Her words hit home for me. By my high school years, I couldn’t help but wish that my suburban hometown offered a broader array of cultural experiences, local art, or even just a Starbucks within a reasonable drive!
Grace and her family are deeply involved in the community, and she couldn’t speak more highly of their local public schools. “We love them,” she said proudly. “Our kids are thriving. We’re near museums and parks, surrounded by community—and we love it.” It’s abundantly clear that her family is truly flourishing in the heart of the city.
Amidst her video, parents flooded the comments with their own stories, echoing her sentiments about raising kids in urban settings. One mom from the Upper East Side shared, “We have found a sweet community here. We love our public school and daycare. We don’t dream of the suburbs!” She admitted, though, that she sometimes wonders how their cozy two-bedroom would hold up as the kids graduate into middle or high school. Aren’t these everyday thoughts that many city-dwelling parents can relate to?
Another parent candidly remarked, “My choice to be a city parent is affirmed every time I see ‘pet store, garden center, and Target’ as suburban suggestions for toddler outings. That sounds bleak!” Oh, how true those words resonate! Another mom expressed admiration for Grace’s urban family life, reflecting on how she and her partner ultimately chose to remain closer to family despite the allure of city culture for their children.
While Grace’s experiences spotlight the vibrant life found within city limits, let’s be clear: if your family’s happy place is in the suburbs, that’s just as wonderful! The core of Grace’s message is powerful and liberating: don’t let someone else’s view of what a family life should look like dictate your own dreams.
“It may not fit the mold of what most people envision,” Grace said, her voice steady with conviction. “But let me just tell you, it’s ours—our chosen life. And that’s perfectly okay if your dream doesn’t mirror anyone else’s. It can look however you want it to.”
Through voices like Grace’s, we begin to see that family life can be rich and fulfilling, no matter where it unfolds. Whether it’s a bustling urban classroom or a peaceful suburban park, what truly matters is crafting a family experience that feels authentic to you.
Image Source: Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock
