Michelle Volberg is busy these days, running a successful recruitment firm and juggling life with two toddlers. Like many New York couples, Michelle and her husband outgrew their city apartment prompting them to move from New York’s Upper West Side to Greenwich CT. Here is a peek into her life in Greenwich.
Describe your move from New York’s Upper West Side to Greenwich, CT
My husband and I lived on the Upper West Side for a couple of years, moved across the Hudson River to Edgewater, NJ for more space, and started looking for a home after our daughter was born. We considered Ridgewood and Ramsey in NJ since we really liked the homes there. Then one morning, we decided to drive to Greenwich to look around, and we immediately knew it was for us. The proximity to the city (my husband commutes every day), the beach town feel, incredible public school system, and diverse community worked for us. Everyone is so warm in Greenwich! That was a great adjustment from living in the city.
What is the biggest adjustment to suburban living?
Probably driving everywhere! In the city, I used to walk all the time and now we drive just so we can take a walk in the park!
Did you know anyone when you moved to Greenwich?
We didn’t know anyone! We got lucky that our neighbors are so wonderful and also have kids our age. I also joined a few Facebook Mom Groups in Greenwich. There are also so many family-friendly events almost every weekend. I met a lot of friends (for myself and my kids!) this way.
Can you describe your social life?
Let’s say it’s a little different than what it used to be! Nowadays, my husband and I enjoy cooking dinner and watching a movie together after the kids go to bed. On the weekends, we invite friends over for BBQ so the kids can run around with their friends and we can sit for a second. We like to do fun activities in town for our date nights. We just went racing at RPM Raceway in Stamford.
How old are you kids? What do you like to do with your kids in the Greenwich area?
My daughter is 3 and my son is almost 2. We love Tod’s Point, Stamford Nature Center, Bruce Museum to look at some art (for us) and animals (for my kids,) the toddler ball pit at Chelsea Piers is always a hit when it’s raining, and grocery shopping and pizza at Bertucci’s is fun for everyone.
How would you describe Greenwich residents?
Kind. Everyone is welcoming, and always willing to help.
What are your favorite restaurants in Greenwich or in the area?
We love The Cos Cobber for breakfast or brunch with the kids, LuLu Chinese has the best sesame chicken and veggie fried rice I’ve ever had, and Pizza Post is our favorite for pizza.
What are your go-to places in Greenwich or in the area?
Tod’s Point, Norwalk Aquarium, Stepping Stones Children’s Museum or Bruce Museum, Lulu Chinese or Pizza Post – that’s basically our weekend, oh and grocery shopping! We also recently went to the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale and loved it – it’s basically a more manageable version of the Museum of Natural History: less hectic, same dinosaurs.
What are some things you don’t like about Greenwich?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything! I love this town.
Do you or your spouse commute to the city? What has your experience been with the commute?
My husband commutes into the city. We signed up for the train station parking permit waitlist as soon as we moved in. One of the guys at the parking permit desk told us the Cos Cob waiting list was the shortest (you only have to wait a year or two). We got our parking permit after a year and a half.
Any advice you can give to someone looking to move to Greenwich?
Find a house or piece of land you love. If you have children, consider the schools nearby. You can’t really go wrong. It’s worth it.
Tell me more about your recruitment firm?
I worked in digital advertising sales for 10 years (Daily Beast, Digitas, ABC, NBC, AOL, Captiv8). I saw a need to match candidates with companies better: to increase happiness and profit, and decrease turnover. I wanted to help smart talent find jobs they love and stay in those jobs for years. So, I started a recruitment firm to help. We work with the big media companies you get your news and favorite tv shows from every day, and startups building out their teams. Our team research, scout, screen, place and mediate to successfully match and satisfy both employer and candidate. I personally work with hiring managers and have an excellent team of recruiters scouting top talent.
Have you read any good books lately?
What French Women Know by Debra Ollivier is a good beach read, and a great coffee table book. I’m also re-reading Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert if you’re up for something a little more serious.
About Michelle Volberg
Michelle moved to New York City 10 years ago and landed her first job as an executive assistant at The Daily Beast getting coffee and making photocopies. Within six months, she represented The Daily Beast in pitches and meetings to agencies and clients, bringing in their first digital IO. With her extensive media experience across digital, traditional, and social at The Daily Beast/IAC, Digitas, NBCUniversal, ABC/Disney, AOL and Captiv8, she has curated a long list of media stars. Michelle saw a need to match candidates with companies to increase happiness and profit, and decrease turnover. Michelle grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Clark University with an honors degree in English. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband and two children. Website: Giledan Search
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