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Ericka Andersen

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BIG NEWS: We’re Moving To…

October 13, 2015 by Ericka

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*Photo from here.

So I’ve been keeping a secret from you.

For many years, I’ve wondered if I would ever move away from the DC-area. I’ve been here for over 9 years — and never had any clear plan to stay or leave.

It’s true what they say, though, the older you get the more important family becomes.

As my nieces and nephews have come into the picture, it’s gotten harder to be away. I don’t want to miss this wonderful part of their lives! I want to be an Aunt they really know — I love those little people to death!

Plus, I want my kids to have family nearby — especially these awesome cousins to grow up with!

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Aside from that, you start to realize — what REALLY matters in life? Aside from God, family is pretty much number one. I’ve always been close to my family — and my extended family. I always miss them horribly and usually travel to Indiana at least three times a year.

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By sheer luck, Rick’s sister and her family also live in Indiana. Though we met here in DC — and he is originally from Arizona — they live near my family. It seemed logical for us to consider moving to the Hoosier State.

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So we’ve talked about it for several years. I always said I didn’t want to go until we had a child — because EVERYONE in Indiana has kids — and it would be too hard to be there without one.

Well, right on target, things have worked out. We prayed a LOT about this — we wanted to make sure it was the right decision for both of us. It has been a BIG deal and not something I’ve taken lightly. We both believe this is a better place to raise our family.

In addition to the family aspect, as you can imagine, the cost of living in Indiana compared to DC is remarkably lower. In the DC-area, the cheapest house we could even consider buying would be around $350,00 (and that’s for a pretty small house with no yard, still kind of far out!). To live in the city or near the city in a decent-sized house in a decent neighborhood would cost well over $500,000. Living here, we pay about $2,000/month for a small, 2-bedroom apartment. Neither of us have ever owned a home — and we want that someday soon — hopefully with a yard and all. So, long story short, cost-of-living is another big factor in our decision.

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Moving away from DC after nearly 10 years is tough — and scary. Everything is changing! I’m having a baby and moving back to my home state, leaving my friends and familiarity…it’s weird. But it feels like we are making the right decision for our family. Of course I’ve always carried Indiana pride with me:

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Rick has gotten a job in Indianapolis and I will continue working in my position at National Review, another huge blessing! We are moving in…just two weeks. October 28th, we’ll drive off in a U-Haul and say goodbye to this life on the East Coast.

I’m excited about moving forward in life, looking forward to the next chapter. I’m also sad to leave this place, these people, this life that I came to so unexpectedly back in 2006. I never knew it would be bring me everything I ever dreamed of: A great career, the love of my life, lifelong friendships, experiences and best of all, the chance to become a mother.

So…that’s the big news — we’re moving to Indianapolis for the next phase of life! I will have about four weeks left of pregnancy when we arrive…let the countdown begin!

I’ll be looking for new friends if you live there ๐Ÿ™‚ย 

If you are a reader in the DC-area, obviously I won’t be far! You catch me on social media and email anytime! I hope to be traveling back sometimes for work and definitely want to keep in touch with everyone I can!

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Thames BeShears says

    October 13, 2015 at 11:30 am

    So exciting! Happy for you ๐Ÿ˜€ My visits to the Indianapolis area have all been amazing, and it seems like a great place to raise a family!

    • Ericka Andersen says

      October 13, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you! I’m looking forward to it!

  2. Taylor Ryan says

    October 13, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Wow, that’s exciting! Congratulations!

    • Ericka Andersen says

      October 13, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Briana says

    October 13, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Yay! Excited for you! We live just north of downtown Indy (& I actually know/ occasionally run with your sister Lindsey!) and absolutely love it. It’s such a great place to raise kids – we have a 2 year old – and nothing beats being close to family. Best of luck with the move!!

    • Ericka Andersen says

      October 14, 2015 at 8:41 am

      Oh really? Ha ha, I figured I will snag some new friends from her ๐Ÿ™‚ Seems like everyone likes the Northside best. Must keep in mind when house hunting! Hope to meet you sometime soon!

  4. Sardonicus says

    October 13, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    Just started following you, and I spotted this post. Lived in D.C. from 1999 – 2005, then moved to Indiana. Def. a different kettle of fish. Welcome!

  5. Rebecca P. says

    October 13, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Congrats! On to a new adventure for sure! xoxo

  6. Sarah Waybright says

    October 13, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Ericka, congrats!! I too am thinking about moves out of the district for many of the same reasons, and even though we only saw a little bit of each other here you made a significant impact on my life here – introducing me to bloggers when I was early on when I launched mine made a huge difference for me. Thank you for always being open and generous in your communication and outlook on life, and best of luck in Indiana!

    • Ericka Andersen says

      October 14, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Thank you Sarah…Oh I’m so glad to hear that was helpful for you! And it’s been fun to see your business grow. You are truly inspiring with what you have done. If I can ever be of help in any way, please do reach out!

  7. Harriet Faulkner says

    November 9, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Congrats! This is a big decision and it seam to be a very reasonable one! Me and my husband have also moved to another place. We met in London and we lived there for many years but now, as we are expecting to have a child, we somehow feel like we want to live in a quieter place. We moved to the suburbs and here it feels great! islingtonremovals

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Welcome! I'm Ericka: Writer, podcaster, wife, mother, runner and Enneagram 4! I write about faith + politics + addiction + church planting. I wrote a book once too -- see below!

Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma & Mental Illness

My Podcast: Worth Your Time

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