Poll: Millions Want To Leave New York

About 7 million New Yorkers plan to leave the state, as revealed in a recent Marist poll. Approximately 37 percent of New Yorkers—roughly 7 million people—expressed their intention to move away.

 Interestingly, this sentiment is more pronounced among Republicans, with 46 percent planning to leave, compared to 29 percent of Democrats.

This mass migration echoes a trend that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued in the subsequent years. Northerners sought warmer weather, cheaper living, and more favorable tax conditions. In 2022, New York’s population experienced a significant decline, with 101,984 fewer residents—the largest drop in the nation that year.

The reasons behind this exodus vary. Many New Yorkers seek to escape the high costs associated with living in the state, including expenses related to housing, taxes, and everyday living. As home prices surge even in cities that were once more affordable, some view the South or Midwest as attractive alternatives, offering relief from financial burdens and the possibility of homeownership.

While white New Yorkers are more likely to stay, with only 33 percent planning to move, 42 percent of non-white respondents expressed their intention to leave. Additionally, New Yorkers’ satisfaction with their state varies, with 52 percent believing that things have worsened in the last year. The economy has also faced challenges, with roughly the same percentage reporting a decline.

The departure of millions of New Yorkers underscores the impact of external factors on migration patterns and highlights the ongoing importance of antitrust laws in maintaining fair competition, as seen in the recent resignation of media mogul John Malone from his position at Charter Communications.