4 min read
It takes courage to uproot your entire family and move across the country. The Ronstadt family—Ricky, Monique, and their two young sons, Wyatt and Ryder—chose to leave the familiarity of California during the pandemic—and face new unknowns.
Leaving California meant escaping the relentless pace, overcrowding, and stress that had become their reality. "Alabama has five million people. The county of Orange in Southern California has three million people. So, we pretty much had the whole state of Alabama in one county that we had to go to Costco with, that we had to go to a cool fishing spot with, that we had to compete to play golf with," Ricky explained. The pandemic became the catalyst for a change they'd been contemplating—a chance to trade constant competition for everyday comfort.
"We didn’t have friends or family here," Monique explained. Starting over in a new state meant finding new sources for everything, from pediatricians and barbers to schools and social connections.
The Ronstadts sought a place that offered a different, more relaxed lifestyle. The chaos of West Coast living was too much, especially after COVID.
"What drew us here was COVID, and we were just trying to look for a place to live," Ricky shared. They explored several U.S. states during their search. Alabama eventually captured their attention, prompting several visits to get a feel for the area. "We ended up coming multiple times until we fell in love with it," Ricky explains.
They may have focused on finding a place to live, but what really sold them on Birmingham, Alabama was community. Monique watched Greystone's video featuring member testimonials, and it showed her how the family would be welcomed.
"It moved me to tears. I thought, 'Wow, our family can experience this.' This is exactly what we were looking for," she shared. That emotional connection, combined with the club's welcoming atmosphere, convinced them they'd found their new home.
Their story shows how finding the right community can make relocation a little easier on families.
A Warm Welcome
When relocating to a new area, first impressions make or break the experience. For the Ronstadts, Greystone staff made sure they felt welcome and valued.
"When you go there, everyone is very intentional about remembering your name, and even the boys when they go golfing,” Ricky shared. “The staff always make us feel comfortable, like we're a part of something."
Greystone staff also talked with the Ronstadts about neighborhood safety, what to expect, and other countless questions, while "laying out the red carpet" for their visits.
"You can imagine how many questions we had, but it never seemed like a bother,” Monique remembered. “We weren't used to that with California. Most people were really in a hurry." The staff's patience and genuine interest helped ease their minds about such a major life change.
In California, the Ronstadts had to drive to their club. Here, they’re living on the course. With direct access, they found themselves fully immersed in club life. By joining activities, meeting neighbors, and forming connections, Birmingham became a place that felt like home. For Ricky, the family-oriented atmosphere at Greystone made all the difference—a ready-made community waiting to welcome them.
A Place to Play, A Place to Belong
For a family starting fresh in a new state, the Ronstadts used Greystone's many different activities to build new friendships.
"During the summer we go to the pool. We do that a lot. I play a lot of pickleball with the boys. Wyatt and I fish a lot. And then Ryder, he pretty much plays golf every day," Ricky explained. This helps each family member enjoy what they love while meeting new neighbors and making friends.
"Honestly, right from the get-go, we started meeting people through the club, and just noticed living in the community that you start seeing your neighbors there and familiar faces from school," Monique shares. This became an effortless way to connect with other families at Greystone.
The same goes for the Ronstadt boys. "Greystone’s given me golf, pickleball, basketball, and fishing. We can do so many things just not even leaving the Greystone. So if my friends come over, we can do anything really," Wyatt shared.
One memorable moment came when Wyatt had friends over. "One of the boys said, 'That was the most fun I've ever had at anybody's house,' which was so awesome because he was able to bring him to the club," Monique remembers. Their experience proves that the right environment can make all the difference when starting over in a new place.
The Rewards of Taking a Risk
What began as a terrifying leap into the unknown has blossomed into the Ronstadts' most profound act of courage. Years after uprooting their lives, they found the warm embrace of neighbors who've become family, the laughter echoing through community gatherings, and the quiet satisfaction in watching their children thrive in spaces designed for their growth.
Some risks aren't just worth taking—they're worth everything.
"Every day, Monique and I say so often that we just pinch ourselves about where we live. Because we're just average people and we feel like where we live is above average," Ricky reflected.
The transition wasn’t easy, but the Ronstadts became stronger for it. They’ve held close through it all, and according to Monique, “we know we can handle anything now if we handle it as a family."
Starting over without an established network pushed them to lean on each other. It forced them to seek new friendships. For their sons, it gave them a new school environment, and making friends was made easier by having a built-in community.
For families in a similar story, the Ronstadts say three words: take the leap.
"It's so easy to get stuck in a rut and be satisfied with where you're at in life because most people love to be comfortable," Ricky observed. "Just take the risk and if you don't like it, you can move back. But I think you would like it. It's amazing."
Like the Ronstadts learned, sometimes the most rewarding chapters in life begin with the courage to start somewhere new.
