Sara Haines, cohost of ‘The View,’ has found a slice of Midwestern charm in the heart of the New Jersey suburbs. Leaving behind the hustle of New York City, Haines and her family discovered a welcoming community and a slower pace of life that echoes her upbringing in Newton, Iowa. This move signifies a return to the basics, prioritizing family, community, and the values she cherishes.
This article delves into Haines’s transition from city life to suburban bliss, exploring the reasons behind her move, her favorite spots in North Jersey, and how this change has impacted her perspective on life and career. Discover how Haines balances her high-profile television career with the simple joys of suburban living.
Falling in Love with the Jersey Suburbs
For Sara Haines, it only took one visit to the New Jersey suburbs to realize she had found a new home. After years of searching in Westchester, Haines and her husband, Max Shifrin, stumbled upon a property in North Jersey that felt just right. The defining feature? A basketball hoop in the driveway, a surprising but significant selling point. This simple amenity symbolized the family-oriented lifestyle they were seeking.
“This is it,” Haines recalls telling her husband, a Ramsey native. The move from New York City marked a significant shift, embracing a community-centric environment that resonated with her Iowan roots. Life in northern New Jersey, according to Haines, offers a sense of familiarity and comfort, reminiscent of the Midwest.
Embracing Midwestern Values in the Garden State
Haines emphasizes the similarities between her life in New Jersey and her upbringing in Iowa. “Iowans would approve of this comparison,” she says, highlighting the shared values of family, community, and church. These elements form the foundation of her suburban experience, filling a void that had been present since leaving her slower-paced childhood.
With three children to raise, Haines appreciates the focus on simplicity and connection that suburban life provides. It’s a departure from the frenetic energy of New York City, a change she readily embraces. While she pursued her early career dreams in the Big Apple, Haines admits she’s never truly been a city person.
From Sketch Comedy to ‘The View’: A Career Evolution
After graduating from Smith College, Haines initially aimed for a career in sketch comedy, but when Saturday Night Live didn’t come calling, she pivoted to news. Acceptance into NBC’s Page Program led to opportunities behind the scenes of the Today show. Her role involved conducting celebrity interviews for the show’s website, eventually leading to on-air appearances.
Haines credits Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb for giving her the initial push to step in front of the camera. A segment promoting the Today show’s Facebook page, created by Haines herself, became her breakthrough moment. From there, she became a contributing correspondent, eventually moving to ABC News and landing guest-cohost spots on The View.
‘Lightning Striking Twice’: Rejoining ‘The View’
Becoming a permanent cohost on The View in 2016 felt like a dream come true for Haines. After a stint at Good Morning America, she returned to The View when the pandemic disrupted her previous show. This opportunity felt like “lightning striking twice,” reaffirming her passion for the talk show format and the dynamic discussions it fosters.
The constraints of a small apartment during the COVID-19 lockdown prompted Haines and her husband to seek a more spacious environment. This led them to their “forever home” in the New Jersey suburbs, providing ample space for their family to thrive.
Wholesome Days in the Suburbs
Haines describes her suburban life as “simple,” filled with outdoor activities like biking and scootering. She cherishes the time spent with her family, away from the cameras and the demands of her career. Discovering local gems like the walking trails and playground became a cherished routine with her youngest son.
Local businesses also play a significant role in her suburban experience. Haines raves about the Able Baker in Maplewood, praising its sustainable practices and charming packaging. Liv Breads in Millburn is another favorite, particularly for their pizzas, which her family religiously orders.
A Mom First, a TV Personality Second
Despite her high-profile television presence, Haines notes that people in her community primarily recognize her as a mom. Surprisingly, she doesn’t encounter frequent debates or discussions about her views on current events. This sense of normalcy provides a welcome contrast to the often-polarized world of television.
The most heated discussions, she reveals, occur at her monthly neighborhood book club gatherings. These gatherings have become a cornerstone of her social life, fostering deep connections with a core group of women friends.
Creating New Traditions
Inspired by childhood memories of visiting her grandparents in Pennsylvania, Haines and her family have established their own tradition of vacationing in . This annual trip embodies the values of family, beach, and simple pleasures. Favorite spots include the Washington Inn and the Rusty Nail, which caters to both adults and children.
As season 29 of The View approaches, Haines reflects on her gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with her cohosts and a live audience. She describes the show as a platform for discussing a wide range of topics, from motherhood to current events to the latest trends.
A Lucky Jersey Girl
Every day before stepping onto the set, Haines takes a moment to appreciate her journey and the opportunities she has been given. She acknowledges the dreamlike quality of her career and expresses gratitude for the chance to connect with viewers on a personal level.
From her early aspirations in comedy to her current role as a cohost on The View, Sara Haines has embraced every step of her career path. Her move to the New Jersey suburbs represents a new chapter, one filled with family, community, and the simple joys of suburban living. And above all, she feels incredibly lucky to call herself a Jersey girl.
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