On Friday, a former New Yorker voiced frustrations about life in the Big Apple, explaining their decision to relocate to Florida. They highlighted a significant trend: a recent study indicates that over 150,000 residents left New York for Florida between 2018 and 2022, according to the nonpartisan Citizens’ Budget Committee (CBC).
This outflow is part of a broader pattern where people are leaving some of the most liberal states in the U.S., especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which intensified issues like homelessness and economic strain.
Alex Taub, co-founder of the entertainment tech startup Goblintown, shared his story with the New York Post about why he decided to turn his back on New York.
Florida has become a popular state for Americans who are seeking relief from the high cost of living prevalent in several major blue cities. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“When we spoke about this, people thought we were out of our minds, but things are getting worse in New York,” Taub remarked. He compared the cost of his previous NYC two-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom home with a pool and yard in Florida, all for the same price.
He mentioned that, as a lifelong New Yorker, he would have once deemed such a move “blasphemous,” but the promise of a better work-life balance was too appealing to ignore. “A lot of my friends have made the same move—tech folks, business people. Those who’ve remained seem to be mostly families with kids,” Taub explained. “I’ve never worked harder in my life, but now I can take a quick dip in the pool with my kids at 5 a.m. It’s refreshing.”
Bustle Media’s CEO, Bryan Goldberg, praised the government in South Florida, saying it consists of many effective, approachable leaders committed to improving quality of life. “You can reach out to the mayor of Miami Beach easily. Once you experience that kind of governance, it’s hard to go back to New York.”
Luxury retail consultant Melanie Holland added that many of her clients express similar frustrations about New York City. They wonder why they’re paying taxes in a city grappling with crime and issues like store theft.
Florida has gained prominence nationally during the pandemic, with its more relaxed policies contrasting sharply with the crime and business struggles faced by other states. (Aaronp/bauer-griffin/gc image)
She commented that many of her clients are unhappy about the changes to New York City, especially concerning crime rates and the pervasive smell of marijuana.
David Feingold, CEO of Broad Street Global, noted that at least 20 employees from his company have expressed interest in moving to Florida. While high taxes and weather have always been concerns, he believes the “cumulative effect” of crime and immigration issues is now pushing residents away. Interestingly, Feingold found it remarkable that no one he spoke to about moving regrets their decision. “Honestly, I thought they’d complain about the lack of art and culture that New York offers,” he shared.
While New York City remains one of the most iconic places in America, residents are increasingly dissatisfied with issues of homelessness and rising crime, prompting many to look to other states. (Gary Harshawn/Getty Images)
Andrew Lane, the president of CBC, mentioned in a conversation with the New York Post that it’s crucial to weigh profits against costs. “The question we should be asking ourselves now is whether the benefits of living in New York actually justify the expenses,” he concluded.
