New York reality TV fixture Bethenny Frankel is trading skyscrapers for sunshine. The former Real Housewife announced she’s relocating to Florida, citing both personal and professional reasons — and yes, it’s permanent.
The shift marks a significant change for the Skinnygirl mogul, who’s been synonymous with Manhattan hustle and Hamptons luxury for over two decades. Now, she’s taking her empire somewhere warmer, and maybe — just maybe — a little bit calmer.
A Beach View, A New Chapter
Frankel broke the news on Instagram with a breezy clip of ocean waves crashing onto the shore. That view? It’s now her backyard.
“This will be our primary and permanent residence,” she said, referring to her new beachfront home shared with her daughter Bryn. There was excitement in her voice, but also a sense of closure.
While she didn’t name the exact Florida city she’s heading to, it’s clear the Sunshine State has been pulling at her heartstrings for some time now. “It’s been a concept for a while,” she shared, hinting that recent circumstances finally pushed her to make the leap.
Still Got Love for New York
Frankel made one thing very clear: she’s not totally cutting ties with the Empire State. She’ll still maintain homes in both Manhattan and the Hamptons.
She called New York “a love,” not just a place. It’s been her stage, her battleground, and her springboard. From launching her business empire to becoming a household name through Real Housewives of New York City, the city has shaped much of her narrative.
But it’s not all roses in the concrete jungle.
Her tone suggested that recent events — unspecified but clearly personal — may have turned the city into more of a pressure cooker than a sanctuary. She didn’t offer full details, but the message was clear: she’s choosing peace.
Clues Were There All Along
If you’re a Bethenny fan, you might’ve seen this coming.
Earlier this month, she posted a photo carousel featuring U-Haul boxes, cryptic captions, and a cheeky nod to nosy followers: “So many exciting changes coming soon… but you nosy B’s will just have to wait and see 😉.”
That wasn’t just Instagram fluff. It was a sign of big changes underway.
Even before the formal announcement, Frankel had been spotted more frequently down south — particularly in Miami. She rang in the New Year beachside, hand-in-hand with tech entrepreneur Tom Villante. They weren’t hiding it either. PDA, sandy strolls, cozy dinners… she looked relaxed, even happy.
The Florida Factor: Why It Makes Sense
Florida has been quietly becoming a haven for high-profile movers — and not just retirees.
• Zero state income tax makes it a smart financial play.
• The real estate market, while sizzling, still offers more space and luxury than NYC for similar prices.
• And then there’s lifestyle — no explanation needed when your backyard is the Atlantic Ocean.
Frankel, with a net worth estimated around $80 million, isn’t making the move to save pennies. But in a post-pandemic world, a softer life in a sunnier climate holds appeal for many successful New Yorkers — especially those with families.
Relationship Shifts and A Softer Spotlight
Let’s talk about Tom Villante for a minute.
The two were first publicly linked last September. Photos surfaced of them holding hands outside of Giorgio Baldi in L.A. — a celeb hotspot with a paparazzi problem. They weren’t exactly hiding.
Villante, the founder of Yapstone, isn’t a reality TV star, and that might be the point. Frankel’s past relationships have often played out on camera. Maybe she’s choosing something — or someone — a little more private this time around.
Since December, the pair has been seen vacationing, walking beaches, and sharing quiet dinners. And guess what? No cameras. No drama. Just two people figuring things out away from flashing lights.
What’s Next for Bethenny?
Bethenny’s not quitting — she’s just changing scenery.
She still has brand deals, content creation, and philanthropic work in motion. In fact, her Instagram Stories still show her active in her disaster relief efforts through BStrong. Florida might just give her the space to expand that work while staying grounded.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what her move might look like professionally:
| Area | NYC Life | Florida Life |
|---|---|---|
| Media Presence | Daily pap walks, red carpets | Quiet beach posts, Instagram-only updates |
| Business Focus | Fast-paced, high-stakes meetings | Remote deals, lifestyle branding |
| Family Life | Private schools, public chaos | Homeschooling? Calmer community settings |
| Social Circle | Celeb-centric, competitive | Selective, intimate, low-key |
She’s already hinted at “exciting changes” and “healthy choices.” What that means for her business remains to be seen, but if history’s any clue, she doesn’t just vanish.
Fans React With Mixed Feelings
Social media did what social media does — reacted fast.
Some fans are thrilled, flooding her post with sun emojis and messages like “You deserve peace!” Others, well, not so much. “Another one leaves New York,” one user sighed. “Can’t blame her, but it’s still sad.”
There’s definitely nostalgia wrapped in the move. Frankel has been part of the NYC identity — messy, opinionated, entrepreneurial — and her departure feels like yet another shift in the city’s ever-changing landscape.
Even if she’s keeping a foothold in Manhattan, it’s not the same. Her center of gravity has shifted. Her view now ends at the ocean, not a skyline.
