Making the big move to the suburbs from the city is something many New Yorkers contemplate at some point. One major reason they decide to make the leap to the ‘burbs often has a lot to do with kids. While raising a baby in the city is pretty Instagram-worthy, reality sets in when it’s time to enroll for kindergarten. But, moving to the suburbs doesn’t have to mean a stripping of your hip urban identity anymore. Oh no, you wild thang you, relax, you can have your brunch and picket fence, too.

My family and I moved to Northern Westchester recently, and, while I was a bit nervous about losing my identity and having to join endless mom groups and book clubs, I was in for a surprise. The ‘burbs have life! There is no shortage of brunching, shopping, kid events and art. While people move out of the city for the space and good schools, there are lots of surprises in store that make it almost like the city, without the crowded subways.

Our sponsor Houlihan Lawrence invited us to share some of the awesome things about life in the towns, villages and hamlets north of New York City. So come on up and start exploring. Here are 10 ways you’ll find we’re rocking your urban lifestyle up here.