I moved from California to Tennessee for my husband's job. We can finally save money, but it's been a major culture shock.

Sat, 10/21/2023 - 06:05

a woman and her husband holding wine in a restaurant — DeLeeuw and her husband at a favorite local restaurant, Ecco on Overton Park in Memphis.
Courtesy of Vered DeLeeuw

Vered DeLeeuw moved from Palo Alto, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, for her husband's job.
She was hesitant at first and found it challenging to adapt to suburban life and find restaurants.
Nine months in, she's learned to embrace the slower pace of life and the nearby nature.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Vered DeLeeuw, a 52-year-old food blogger in Memphis, Tennessee. The following has been edited for length and clarity.