Part 2/9:

The family’s journey began in New York, where the couple, Matt and Nat, met over ten years ago. Matt, who was actively seeking love via dating apps, and Nat, visiting from Australia, initially did not foresee the complications of a long-distance relationship. As they contemplated where to settle down and raise a family, it became evident that New York—or indeed, anywhere they lived in the U.S.—did not feel like home.

Their exploration took them across California and Pennsylvania, but each move failed to fulfill their sense of belonging. Matt realized the crux of the issue: a lack of community. Many people experienced a similar fate; friendships and familial ties often became dispersed after college, with most opting for opportunities in major cities.