Housesitting in New York: Our Two-Month Dream of Authentic Brooklyn Living
The crisp summer air hummed with excitement, drawing Dani and me to the Brooklyn Promenade that afternoon. After weeks of working remotely from our Brooklyn Heights condo—where we housesat for nearly two months—the vibrant sounds of the city filtered through our open window.
Stepping out for a break, we dashed down the stairs and strolled two blocks to a bench, soaking in the scene: cyclists and skateboarders zipping by, couples embracing, kids chasing each other with ice cream cones amid weary tourists fresh off the Brooklyn Bridge, cameras capturing the iconic Manhattan skyline.
On a typical short vacation, we'd have joined those tourists—snapping skyline photos, grabbing dinner, then retreating to a Manhattan hotel. But this time, we weren't visitors. We were temporary New Yorkers.
Housesitting for two months allowed us to build routines, habits, and a genuine life in the city. For an hour, we lounged on the bench under the strong sun, basking in that rare contentment of being just blocks from 'home' with no rush or worries.
Instead of hotel breakfasts with chilled cantaloupe and toast, I rose at 7 a.m. daily to feed our two lovable cats—who meowed insistently despite yesterday's treats—and care for the fish. Then I'd rejoin Dani in our king-size bed, drifting off to the sound of purring and lapping tongues on organic cat food.
We'd eventually rise for scrambled eggs, yogurt with granola, and robust coffee before diving into work: writing, calls, interviews, podcast and video editing—the daily grind of full-time bloggers.
As afternoons stretched on, cabin fever set in. We'd venture out to explore before evening cat feedings, then head back for dinners or friend meetups. Living in New York means endless fascinating connections—from online acquaintances to new local friends.
On quieter days, we savored 'home comforts': Netflix on the futon or Seamless deliveries of global cuisines.
During our Brooklyn stint, we roamed Williamsburg's hip scene, trekked from trendy Red Hook to upscale Brooklyn Heights, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge with visitors, strolled Broadway, ventured to Queens, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Governor's Island, Roosevelt Island, Prospect Park, Central Park, Cobble Hill, East Village, Chelsea, and downtown Brooklyn. We hit flea markets, farmers' markets, food trucks, and brunch spots.
Yet the everyday joys shone brightest: Dani's runs over the Brooklyn Bridge, Promenade sunsets, doo-wop singers on the C Train, corner diner meals, or cafe coffees steps from home.
These moments glowed extra bright knowing we paid zero rent. Just pet care and light cleaning unlocked this dream. We saved an estimated $5,000–$7,000, splurging on concerts and Broadway. A highlight: the immersive Sleep No More at the McKittrick Hotel—unaffordable amid $150/night hotel costs.
Our spring-into-summer NYC immersion was transformative. After years of travel, we found a place that feels like home. Even if nomadic, we'll return for a month annually at minimum.
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