The Great Northern Migration: Why New Yorkers Are Abandoning the Big Apple for the Sunshine State
A mass exodus is underway from New York City, with former residents increasingly declaring that something is deeply amiss in the city that never sleeps. Driven by factors ranging from crippling taxes and soaring crime rates to the allure of a more relaxed lifestyle and accessible governance, droves of New Yorkers are flocking south, seeking refuge and opportunity in the welcoming embrace of Florida.
According to a recent study conducted by the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC), a nonpartisan organization focused on New York fiscal matters, the scale of this migration is significant. Between 2018 and 2022, over 150,000 New Yorkers reportedly bid farewell to the Empire State, opting instead for the palm-lined streets and sun-drenched beaches of Florida. While approximately 50,000 Floridians moved in the opposite direction, the net result was a staggering loss for New York City: a decrease of over 100,000 residents, taking with them an estimated $14 billion in income.
This migration is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger trend of people leaving traditionally liberal states for destinations offering lower taxes, more affordable housing, and perceived safer environments. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accelerated this trend, exacerbating existing issues of homelessness and economic instability that further diminished the appeal of cities like New York.
For many former New Yorkers, the decision to relocate was driven by a desire for a better quality of life. Alex Taub, co-founder of entertainment tech startup Goblintown, echoed this sentiment in a recent interview with the New York Post. He described New York as increasingly "bleak," emphasizing the stark contrast in living standards between the two states. "For the same price that we were paying [for a two-bedroom apartment] in New York, we were getting a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with a pool and a backyard," Taub explained. The prospect of a significantly improved work-life balance, coupled with the presence of a growing community of tech and business professionals in Florida, ultimately swayed his decision. "I’ve never worked harder in my life but I know that at 5 o’clock today I can jump in the pool for a short break with my kids and have fun," he added.
The allure of Florida extends beyond affordable housing and recreational opportunities. Bryan Goldberg, CEO of Bustle Media, praised the accessible and responsive nature of local government in South Florida. "It is composed of dozens of small towns with accessible, sane leaders who work hard to improve our lives," he remarked. Goldberg emphasized the direct line of communication he and his neighbors have with local officials, highlighting the stark contrast with the perceived bureaucratic hurdles and lack of responsiveness in New York City. "Once one experiences this sort of relationship with their government, it is impossible to return to the Kafkaesque NYC experience," he stated.
Luxury retail consultant Melanie Holland pointed to a different set of concerns shared by her clients who have made the move to Florida. High taxes coupled with visible signs of urban decay, such as homelessness and rampant theft, have eroded the appeal of living in New York City. "Why do I want to pay New York state or New York City taxes when I walk out my door and there’s a homeless person, or my Walgreens is shut down because of theft?" she questioned, encapsulating the growing frustration felt by many former New Yorkers. She also noted that many clients expressed dislike for the increased crime rate and the pervasive smell of marijuana in the city.
David Feingold, CEO of Broadstreet Global, revealed that a significant number of his employees have requested to relocate to Florida, citing similar concerns. While acknowledging that New York’s high taxes and harsh winters have always been drawbacks, Feingold argued that the "cumulative effect" of crime and immigration is now a significant driving force behind the exodus. He expressed surprise that none of the people he knows who have relocated from New York to Florida regret their decision. "That’s the amazing thing — I thought I would get complaints about the lack of art and culture that you can only find in New York," he admitted.
The CBC president, Andrew Rein, weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for New York City to offer compelling advantages that outweigh the rising costs of living. "The key is with any place you need the benefits to outweigh the cost," Rein stated. "The question right now for New York is what do we offer? We have to make sure the benefits of being in New York are worth the cost."
The mass migration from New York to Florida raises serious questions about the future of the Big Apple. As residents and businesses continue to flee, the city risks losing its economic dynamism, cultural vibrancy, and overall appeal. The challenge for New York’s leaders is to address the underlying issues that are driving people away and to create a more attractive and sustainable environment for residents and businesses alike. Failure to do so could result in a continued decline, further eroding the city’s status as a global center for innovation, culture, and commerce.
