Courtesy of Emilie Gerber
- Public relations firm founder Emilie Gerber, 34, purchased a four-bedroom Hamptons house in 2023.
- She's spent $57,000 on house upkeep this year, and continues to rent a New York City apartment.
- "I'm in an advantageous position where I can afford to take risks and make big bets," she said.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Emilie Gerber, the 34-year-old founder of public relations firm Six Eastern, about her decision to purchase a vacation home in the Hamptons while continuing to rent in New York City. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.