The allure of New York City, with its vibrant business landscape and rich cultural tapestry, attracts millions globally. However, a significant number of New Yorkers are contemplating leaving the city they once called home. A new poll reveals that more than a third of the city’s residents are considering moving to quieter, more affordable locales.
New York City: Quality of Life at the Heart of Discontent
A recent survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek, polling 974 eligible voters, shows that 34 percent are actively considering leaving, with another 32 percent open to the idea. The main reason?
Dissatisfaction with the quality of life. “In the pandemic’s wake, we see an altered population and it raises long-standing concerns about the cost of living, the growing wealth gap, the need to preserve a strong middle class, and the challenges of serving an aging population,” stated New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
The Costly Big Apple
Living in New York is considerably more expensive than in other parts of the country. With costs of living 27 percent higher than the national average and housing prices soaring 80 percent above average, many residents find themselves unable to achieve milestones like homeownership.
According to RentCafe, the prices for housing, utilities, transport, and other essentials are all steeply-priced, pushing long-term residents to seek affordability elsewhere.
New Trends in Migration
The pandemic has accelerated changes in where and how people live. The ability to work from home has shifted priorities, with many New Yorkers trading the city’s chaos for calmer, more spacious environments.
Sajag Patel, chief revenue officer at Move Concierge, notes, “The ability to work from home is driving many to move away from big cities. People care more about stable internet and office space, which New York living often doesn’t provide.”
Personal Stories of Moving On
Tariqa Nehisi, a former Brooklyn resident, shared her journey with Newsweek: “I left my beloved hometown primarily to become a first-time homeowner in Tulsa, Oklahoma,” she explained. After saving for years and obtaining several certifications from homebuyer programs, Nehisi felt compelled to leave due to the high costs and challenging living conditions in New York.
Where Are They Going?
While some former New Yorkers are staying within the northeastern U.S., others, like Nehisi, are moving much farther. Smaller towns with populations under half a million are becoming increasingly popular, offering a balance of remote work possibilities and a better quality of life.
The Bigger Picture
As New York continues to experience demographic shifts, the reasons behind these moves reflect broader national trends. The city’s story is a cautionary tale of what can happen when the cost of living outpaces what its residents can afford, driving them to seek better opportunities elsewhere. The ongoing exodus from New York underscores a pivotal moment in urban living and migration patterns across America.
