For several years we have been trying to find swap partners with homes that are relaxing rural retreats, yet close to New York City. This search has been complicated by several factors.
The New York metro area is quite built-up. The density of housing means one has to travel relatively far to find a quiet country setting. Many people with homes close enough to Manhattan to make for a quick weekend jaunt commute to the city from those homes for work. Even if they want to come back to Manhattan on the weekend they may just head home after their night out, rather than wanting to swap with a City apartment.
We just had a last-minute request, however, that may just be the jackpot to our local home exchange search. A family with a huge, lovely house on seven acres wants to come here during the February school break. They live just an hour by commuter train from our home.
The great part about local swaps like this is that last-minute exchanges are easy to work out. No transportation reservations need to be made. Another benefit is that it is often convenient to meet one's home exchange partners. In this case the exchanger is actually in Manhattan once a week so we can meet her despite the fact that this swap would start just a few days after the meeting.
Our goal when meeting a new swapper is always to develop a continuing rapport, whether that is friendship or on-going exchanges. Perhaps this will be the start of a beautiful home exchange relationship.
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