Navigating childcare in New York City can be one of the biggest challenges for working parents—especially for families relocating from outside the city. In this episode of Let’s Move to New York, host Mark Erickson sits down with Mawena Tafa, founder and CEO of Pickup Buddy, a New York City–based startup addressing the after-school childcare gap in urban environments.

Mawena shares how her background as a lifelong New Yorker and Babson College entrepreneurship student led her to create Pickup Buddy, a service that matches parents with thoroughly vetted college students who safely escort children from school to home or after-school activities using walking and public transportation. Designed for a city where most families don’t own cars, Pickup Buddy offers a smart, flexible solution for modern urban parenting.

Listeners will learn how the platform works, how pickup buddies are screened, why childcare is uniquely challenging in NYC, and how services like Pickup Buddy can help families thrive while balancing careers, parenting, and city life. This episode is a must-listen for parents considering a move to New York City, working professionals seeking childcare solutions, and anyone interested in social entrepreneurship and family-focused innovation.

Navigating childcare in New York City can be one of the biggest challenges for working parents&mdash;especially for families relocating from outside the city. In this episode of Let&rsquo;s Move to New York, host Mark Erickson sits down with Mawena Tafa, founder and CEO of Pickup Buddy, a New York City&ndash;based startup addressing the after-school childcare gap in urban environments.
Mawena shares how her background as a lifelong New Yorker and Babson College entrepreneurship student led her to create Pickup Buddy, a service that matches parents with thoroughly vetted college students who safely escort children from school to home or after-school activities using walking and public transportation. Designed for a city where most families don&rsquo;t own cars, Pickup Buddy offers a smart, flexible solution for modern urban parenting.
Listeners will learn how the platform works, how pickup buddies are screened, why childcare is uniquely challenging in NYC, and how services like Pickup Buddy can help families thrive while balancing careers, parenting, and city life. This episode is a must-listen for parents considering a move to New York City, working professionals seeking childcare solutions, and anyone interested in social entrepreneurship and family-focused innovation.

Solving NYC’s Childcare Crisis: How Pickup Buddy Supports Working Parents and Newcomers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8fc2c4ad-bb66-4b15-bc51-a97800079141/clips/339538ce-243e-4d24-9cc1-b3cc0058ef99/transcript

Thinking about moving to Dutchess County or Beacon, New York? In this episode, we talk with Elaine Thomas, a top-producing Century 21 real estate agent, about why Hudson Valley communities are drawing buyers from New York City, California, Illinois, and beyond.

Elaine explains how remote work, flexible commuting, and lifestyle priorities have changed the real estate landscape, making towns like Beacon a prime choice for buyers who want space, walkability, and a strong sense of community—without giving up access to NYC.

This conversation covers:
Why Beacon is one of the Hudson Valley’s most desirable towns
How hybrid work has reshaped commuting and homebuying decisions
What first-time buyers from the city need to know before purchasing
Millennial homebuyer trends and walkable downtown living
VA loans and homeownership support for veterans and service members

If you’re researching a move to New York State, exploring the Hudson Valley real estate market, or want expert insight into buying a home outside the city, this episode delivers real-world advice from someone who lives and works in the community.

Thinking about moving to Dutchess County or Beacon, New York? In this episode, we talk with Elaine Thomas, a top-producing Century 21 real estate agent, about why Hudson Valley communities are drawing buyers from New York City, California, Illinois, and beyond.
Elaine explains how remote work, flexible commuting, and lifestyle priorities have changed the real estate landscape, making towns like Beacon a prime choice for buyers who want space, walkability, and a strong sense of community&mdash;without giving up access to NYC.
This conversation covers:
<ul>
<li>Why Beacon is one of the Hudson Valley&rsquo;s most desirable towns</li>
<li>How hybrid work has reshaped commuting and homebuying decisions</li>
<li>What first-time buyers from the city need to know before purchasing</li>
<li>Millennial homebuyer trends and walkable downtown living</li>
<li>VA loans and homeownership support for veterans and service members</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re researching a move to New York State, exploring the Hudson Valley real estate market, or want expert insight into buying a home outside the city, this episode delivers real-world advice from someone who lives and works in the community.

Beacon, NY Real Estate Insights: Elaine Thomas on Remote Work Migration, Millennials, and Market Trends

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8fc2c4ad-bb66-4b15-bc51-a97800079141/clips/78578e55-4763-4547-9bc4-b3ca01539967/transcript

We create community news platforms that are digital spaces where individuals with common interests or goals can connect, communicate their interest in moving to the state of New York.

We create community news platforms that are digital spaces where individuals with common interests or goals can connect, communicate their interest in moving to the state of New York.

Let's Move to New York

Whether you’re relocating from out of state, escaping high-cost metros, or searching for a California community with space, serenity, and value, this episode offers a clear look at the opportunities waiting in Lake County.

Listeners will learn:
• Why Lake County is one of California’s most affordable housing markets
• Which neighborhoods offer the best value and growth potential
• What makes the region attractive for families, retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts
• How buyers can prepare for a successful move to this Northern California gem

If Lake County has been on your radar, or if you’re searching for a California lifestyle without the California price tag, this conversation is essential listening.

Subscribe for more insights on relocating to California’s most livable and emerging communities.

Whether you&rsquo;re relocating from out of state, escaping high-cost metros, or searching for a California community with space, serenity, and value, this episode offers a clear look at the opportunities waiting in Lake County.
Listeners will learn: &bull; Why Lake County is one of California&rsquo;s most affordable housing markets &bull; Which neighborhoods offer the best value and growth potential &bull; What makes the region attractive for families, retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts &bull; How buyers can prepare for a successful move to this Northern California gem
If Lake County has been on your radar, or if you&rsquo;re searching for a California lifestyle without the California price tag, this conversation is essential listening.
Subscribe for more insights on relocating to California&rsquo;s most livable and emerging communities.

Why Lake County Is California’s Best Kept Secret for Affordable Living-Explore The New Lake County with Shelly Reed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8fc2c4ad-bb66-4b15-bc51-a97800079141/clips/138db93a-e36f-481c-ac5f-b3b001642e2d/transcript

We create community news platforms that are digital spaces where individuals with common interests or goals can connect, communicate their interest in moving to the state of California.

We create community news platforms that are digital spaces where individuals with common interests or goals can connect, communicate their interest in moving to the state of California.

Let's Move to California

A collection of audio interviews and podcasts celebrating the trials and tribulations of moving from state to state or into this great country.

A collection of audio interviews and podcasts celebrating the trials and tribulations of moving from state to state or into this great country.

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