New Yorkers who have moved to Florida express no regrets about leaving behind high taxes and crime for a more affordable, sunny, and safer lifestyle.
A recent report highlights that over 125,000 residents relocated from New York to Florida between 2018 and 2022, contributing nearly $14 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Non-Partisan Citizens’ Budget Committee.
Alex Taub, co-founder of the tech startup Goblint Town, made the leap from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Miami in July 2020 with his wife and two young kids, primarily motivated by the high cost of rent.
“People thought we were nuts, but New York was getting darker and darker for us,” Taub shared. “For the rent we paid for a small apartment there, I now have a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with a pool and backyard.”
The report also noted around 26,000 individuals have shifted from New York to Miami-Dade County, a change that has seen affluent New Yorkers leaving in sizable numbers.
Taub, who has always called New York home and worked in its tech sector, once saw relocation as “blasphemous,” but has now embraced the improved work-life balance and lowered taxes.
“A lot of friends have joined me here. Many in tech and business have made the switch. Those who remain seem to be mostly families,” he explained. “I’ve never worked harder, but at 5 a.m., I can easily take a quick dip in the pool with my kids.”
Bryan Goldberg, CEO of Bustle Media, commented on South Florida’s numerous small towns with accessible leaders dedicated to enhancing residents’ lives.
“You can easily reach the mayor of Miami Beach. When you have that kind of connection, going back to New York feels impossible,” he said.
Some New Yorkers have made permanent moves, reducing the typical “Snowbird” migration that usually occurs during the winter months.
Melanie Holland, a luxury retail consultant, noted a significant shift during the pandemic as many New Yorkers took advantage of lower rents in Florida while working remotely. Families found themselves enjoying the warm weather and were hooked.
“Why pay taxes in New York City when there’s visible homelessness?” was a sentiment shared by many of her clients.
Many of these newcomers express dissatisfaction with how New York has changed, citing crime and other issues.
Some miss the vibrant New York energy but find the hassle of selling apartments and dealing with tax complexities worth it, according to Holland.
David Feingold, CEO of Broad Street Global, mentioned that in the last 18 months, at least 20 employees have requested to move from New York to South Florida.
“Taxes and weather have always been a concern for New Yorkers,” Feingold noted, but the recent escalation in crime and immigration issues has made a significant difference.
He added that no one he’s encountered who moved to Florida regrets the change.
“I assumed they’d miss the art and culture exclusive to New York,” he said, but instead, newcomers are investing in activities like boating and golf as alternatives.
David Goldberg, general partner at Alpaca VC in Miami, first made his move to Florida in August 2020.
“Personally and for my family, it’s a great place to live,” he remarked.
While the weather and lack of state income tax are appealing, Goldberg pointed out that Miami’s evolving cultural identity has created a unique environment as it becomes a tech hub.
“I think many of us have encouraged others to make the move,” he concluded.
