For over a decade, New York has been among the states with the highest numbers of residents leaving. But while for years there was a balance between the numbers of those moving out of New York and those moving in, last year 56 percent of recorded moves were headed out of the state, according to a new report by national mover Atlas Van Lines.
Why It Matters
Migration patterns tell us about how Americans feel about the places they live in and what they're looking for in the destinations they seek. A recent exodus of residents from states like New York and California, where the cost of living is among the highest in the country, and the growth of destinations like Texas and Florida suggests that many Americans are looking for more affordable markets and good weather.
A state's population growth can have huge consequences on its housing market and its economy, bringing both benefits and disadvantages.
What To Know
New York has been one of the states with the highest numbers of residents moving out since 2014, according to Indiana-based Atlas Van Lines' data. Last year, it was the state with the fifth-highest percentage of outbound moves after Louisiana, California, Illinois, and South Dakota. Fifty-six percent of movers were headed out of the state, while 44 percent were changing locations within the state.
Those are the same percentages reported in Atlas Van Lines' 2023 migration report, where New York was, however, the state with the ninth-biggest percentage of residents moving out. In the same year, the U.S. Census Bureau also reported that fewer people had moved out of the state compared to 2022, suggesting a recovery from the pandemic years, which saw an exodus of residents from New York. This recovery appears to have plateaued.
Why Are New Yorkers Leaving the State?
"New York has a high and consistent rate of residents moving out year over year. " Jack Griffin, CEO of Atlas Van Lines, told Newsweek.
"Many have noted a desire for warmer weather as a key reason for leaving, with a significant number relocating to states like Texas and Florida, which were among the top states New Yorkers moved to in 2024," he explained.
"Additionally, rising crime rates have been pointed to by some lawmakers as another contributing factor driving residents away, further compounding New York's ongoing challenges in retaining its population."
Where Are They Relocating?
According to Atlas Van Liners' 2024 migration data, the most common destinations for New Yorkers moving out of the state included Florida, California, Texas, Massachusetts, as well as Washington and North Carolina—two of the top inbound states last year.
A consumer survey conducted by Atlas as part of the 2024 Migration Study found the three main motivators for moving in 2024 are job opportunities, proximity to family and friends, and affordability.
What's Next
While the high cost of living has been driving residents out of New York, their exodus could make the state more affordable in the near future, according to Griffin.
"In years past, as we saw in 2023, New York had the fourth highest cost of living in the U.S., with residents spending nearly $50k per year in housing, healthcare, taxes, food, and transportation," he told Newsweek.
"However, 2025 could mark a turning point for residents as they finally decide to relocate due to unsustainable living prices," Griffin added. The latest report from the National Association of Realtors corroborates this thesis, Griffin said.
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