A New Yorker shared in an interview that his co-workers’ growing sympathy for criminals pushed him to leave the city.
Josh Greenberg, a digital media strategist who moved from Park Slope, New York, in 2022, mentioned an incident where, after a robbery, his friends claimed he was “repeating the cycle” and “causing harm” by reporting the crime.
“The breaking point wasn’t just getting robbed,” Greenberg said. “I realized the city had more compassion for the robber than for me.” He then started considering a move to Miami, Florida, which has become a popular choice for many relocating from other states.
This feeling resonates with other former New Yorkers, many of whom expressed that they no longer felt safe and chose to become part of South Florida’s expanding Jewish community. Karol Markowitz also moved in early 2022, citing the violence in NYC as a key reason.
“Orthodox Jews were being assaulted daily, yet it didn’t get much coverage,” she noted.
Markowitz explained that South Florida has attracted many conservative-minded Jews, particularly those who left states like New York during the pandemic, according to reports.
Similarly, Elior, an Israeli-American, initially went to Miami due to the 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict. He decided to stay longer, enjoying the climate and community. “I didn’t feel in physical danger,” he said, adding that speaking about being Israeli sometimes felt uncomfortable. “I want to be in a place where I can be proud of my identity.”
Many who have left New York pointed to a growing perception that the city is becoming less orderly, citing rising crime and increasing political pressures.
Oren Aksu, a marketing agency founder, arrived in Miami in late 2025 after living in multiple cities worldwide. He found Miami to be an obvious choice for his next home, emphasizing its political and social vibe.
Aksu remarked on the absence of “ideological policing,” which contributes to a relaxed environment. “Nobody discusses politics here. It’s not about gender or race. The exhausting debates of New York are absent. People are just living their lives,” he explained.
According to reports, common reasons for leaving New York included heightened hostility and a lack of acceptance for diverse opinions.
Greenberg expressed that many newcomers from New York share his worries. The need for law and order has become crucial, but it feels increasingly elusive in the city, which has fostered calls for changes in Florida.
“I don’t want to seem unreasonable for wanting basic security,” Greenberg said.
