Long Island has always been known for its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and easy access to New York City. For decades, it was the dream destination for families looking for the perfect suburban lifestyle.
But things are changing fast.
Over 21,000 Long Islanders moved out in 2024 alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This isn’t a new trend either. People have been leaving Long Island for over a decade now, and the numbers keep growing.
If you’re thinking about leaving too, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s look at why so many people are making this tough decision, where they’re going, and what it means if you need to sell your home.
The Reality Check: What the Numbers Say
The statistics are hard to ignore:
The Big Picture:
- The Nassau-Suffolk area now has a 76-78% outbound rate, making it the third highest in the entire country
- For every 100 people who move to Long Island, 76-78 people are leaving
- New York State lost 415,449 residents in 2024, while only 285,304 moved in
- Between 2020 and 2023, New York lost 2.1% of its population
Who’s Packing Up:
- 71% of young adults (ages 18-34) say they want to leave within five years
- 41% of young adults still live with their parents because they can’t afford their own place
- Retirees on fixed incomes are heading to states with lower taxes
- Remote workers are moving to cheaper areas while keeping their New York salaries
Here’s the truth: this trend isn’t stopping. Even though things have calmed down a bit since the pandemic, Long Island still loses more people than it gains every single year.
The Main Reasons People Are Leaving Long Island
Let me break down the biggest reasons people are finally saying goodbye to Long Island.
1. Property Taxes Are Breaking the Bank
This is the number one complaint I hear from homeowners.
The average property tax bill on Long Island is $11,000 per year. Think about that for a second. That’s nearly $1,000 every single month just in property taxes. In many other states, people pay less than that for their entire monthly rent.
Nassau and Suffolk counties consistently rank as some of the most expensive places to live in America when you add up property taxes, state income taxes, and sales taxes together.
For families trying to save money or retirees on a fixed income, these taxes are simply unsustainable.
2. Everything Costs More Here
Property taxes are just the start. The cost of living on Long Island is 40% higher than the national average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Let’s look at housing: the median home price on Long Island hit $650,000 in early 2025. The national median? Around $230,000.
But it’s not just housing. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Insurance costs more. Even going out to dinner costs more.
Studies show that a family with two kids needs to earn about $140,000 per year just to afford a “normal” middle-class life on Long Island. That’s not living large, that’s just getting by.
3. Young People Can’t Afford to Buy Homes
This one hits hard. Young professionals move to Long Island for the good jobs and higher salaries. Then they see the housing prices and realize they’re priced out completely.
A couple making $100,000 combined can barely afford a starter home in most Long Island neighborhoods. And if they can scrape together a down payment, the monthly mortgage plus property taxes eat up most of their income.
Many young adults are stuck living with their parents well into their 30s. It’s not because they don’t work hard, it’s because the math just doesn’t work.
4. Traffic Is a Nightmare
The Long Island Expressway didn’t get the nickname “the world’s longest parking lot” by accident.
If you commute to New York City, you know the pain. Long drives, packed trains, and constantly rising costs. The MTA keeps raising fares, and the Manhattan-bound toll is now $13. Add it all up, and commuting can easily cost $500-700 per month.
And even if you’re not commuting to the city, getting around Long Island itself is frustrating. Traffic everywhere, limited public transportation, and you absolutely need a car for everything.
5. Jobs Aren’t Growing Fast Enough
Long Island’s job market isn’t keeping pace with other parts of the country. While states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are seeing huge growth in tech jobs, renewable energy, and other industries, Long Island is falling behind.
Young professionals see better career opportunities elsewhere. Better jobs, faster promotions, and industries with actual growth potential.
6. People Want More Space
The pandemic changed how people think about their homes. More people work from home now, and they need space for home offices. Families want yards for their kids to play in. People want breathing room.
Long Island is crowded. Finding a home with a decent-sized yard at an affordable price? Good luck. Meanwhile, in other states, the same money buys you twice the house and three times the land.
7. The Winters Are Brutal
After 20, 30, or 40 years of harsh New York winters, people get tired of it. Shoveling snow, frozen pipes, heating bills that spike every January, and those dark 5pm sunsets in December.
Retirees especially are drawn to Florida, the Carolinas, and other warm-weather states where they can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
8. Family Is Elsewhere
According to United Van Lines’ 2025 study, the top reason Americans move anywhere is to be closer to family. That’s 29% of all moves.
Here’s what happens: one family member moves to Florida or North Carolina for the better cost of living. Then another follows. Then another. Pretty soon, the only family left on Long Island is you, and that’s lonely and expensive.
9. Retirement Doesn’t Work Here
Think about retirement on a fixed income. You saved money for years, and now you’re trying to make it last. But Long Island hits you with:
- $11,000 annual property taxes
- State income tax on your retirement income
- High cost of living on everything else
Now compare that to Florida (no state income tax, no tax on retirement income) or North Carolina (much lower property taxes and cost of living). Your retirement savings go twice as far.
The choice becomes obvious.
10. Remote Work Changed Everything
This is the game-changer. Before 2020, you needed to live near your job. Now? Many people work 100% remotely.
Why pay Long Island prices when you can live in a beautiful home in the Carolinas, Texas, or Tennessee, and still earn your New York salary?
Remote work has made it possible for people to have the best of both worlds: big-city income with small-town costs.
Where Long Islanders Are Moving: The Top 10 Destinations
Now let’s talk about where people are actually going. These aren’t just random guesses, these are the real destinations based on moving data and search trends.
1. Florida – The Clear Winner
Nearly 1 in 5 people leaving New York end up in Florida. In 2023 alone, about 64,000 New Yorkers made the move south.
Why Florida?
- Zero state income tax
- No tax on your retirement income
- Warm weather all year (no more shoveling snow!)
- Your Long Island home equity buys a lot more house
Where in Florida: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers
2. North Carolina – The Rising Star
North Carolina is the #1 searched destination for people leaving New York. About 17.5% of all searches point to NC.
Why North Carolina?
- Houses cost half what they do on Long Island
- Growing job market (tech and finance in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh)
- Four actual seasons but milder winters
- Property taxes are way lower
- Great food scene and quality of life
Where in North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, Greensboro
3. South Carolina – Best Moving Ratio in America
South Carolina has the highest in-to-out move ratio in the country right now.
Why South Carolina?
- Even cheaper than North Carolina
- Beautiful coastline and beaches
- Growing industries (manufacturing, tech, healthcare)
- Retirement-friendly communities
- Lower taxes across the board
Where in South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Charleston, Columbia
4. Texas – No Income Tax and Big Opportunity
Texas has no state income tax and some of the fastest-growing cities in America.
Why Texas?
- No state income tax means more money in your pocket
- Booming job markets in multiple cities
- Huge homes for reasonable prices
- Diverse opportunities in tech, energy, and business
Where in Texas: Austin (tech hub), Dallas-Fort Worth (corporate headquarters), Houston (energy and diversity), San Antonio (affordable living)
5. Pennsylvania – Stay Close But Save Money
Pennsylvania is the closest option if you still want that Northeast feel.
Why Pennsylvania?
- Much more affordable than Long Island
- Similar culture and food
- Close enough to visit family easily
- Philadelphia is drawing tons of NYC/Long Island people
Where in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, suburbs outside Philly
6. Tennessee – No State Income Tax
Tennessee is becoming super popular with Long Islanders.
Why Tennessee?
- No state income tax
- Nashville’s economy is booming (healthcare, music, tech)
- Affordable housing
- Central location makes travel easy
- Growing cultural scene
Where in Tennessee: Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis
7. Delaware – The Retiree Favorite
Delaware might be small, but it’s growing fast with New York transplants.
Why Delaware?
- No sales tax
- Very tax-friendly for retirees
- Beach towns (Rehoboth, Bethany Beach)
- Close to family in New York
- Quiet, peaceful lifestyle
Where in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach, Dover, Newark, Wilmington
8. Virginia – Middle Ground
Virginia offers a good balance between affordability and career opportunity.
Why Virginia?
- Growing tech jobs in Northern Virginia
- More affordable than Long Island
- Winters are milder
- Good schools
- Quality of life is high
Where in Virginia: Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria), Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville
9. Georgia – The Atlanta Boom
Atlanta is pulling in people from all over, including Long Island.
Why Georgia?
- Atlanta’s tech scene is exploding
- Affordable housing
- Major airport hub (easy to travel)
- Diverse job opportunities
- Lower cost of living
Where in Georgia: Atlanta metro, Savannah, Athens, Alpharetta
10. Arizona – Retirees Love It
Arizona is all about that warm weather and retirement lifestyle.
Why Arizona?
- Phoenix and Scottsdale are retirement havens
- Much lower cost of living
- Golf and outdoor activities year-round
- No taxes on Social Security benefits
- Active adult communities everywhere
Where in Arizona: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Sedona
Staying in New York? Go Upstate
Not everyone leaves New York completely. Some people head upstate for:
- Hudson Valley
- Albany area
- Finger Lakes region
- Buffalo or Rochester
These areas give you lower costs while keeping you in the New York system and closer to family.
Thinking About Selling Your Long Island Home?
If you’ve decided to leave Long Island, your home is probably your biggest asset, and your biggest challenge.
The good news? The Long Island real estate market is still strong. Homes are still selling, and prices are holding up despite people moving out. This actually works in your favor.
But you need to figure out how to sell, and how fast.
Your Two Main Options
Option 1: Traditional Real Estate Agent
This is what most people think of first. You hire an agent, they list your house, show it to buyers, and eventually, you sell.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll need to fix up and stage your home
- It typically takes 30-90 days minimum, often longer
- You’ll pay 5-6% in agent commissions (that’s $30,000-40,000 on a $650,000 home)
- The sale can fall through if the buyer’s financing doesn’t go through
If you have time and your house is in good shape, this route can work. Learn more about selling without a realtor on Long Island here.
Option 2: Sell to a Cash Home Buyer
This is for people who need to move fast or don’t want the hassle of traditional sales.
Here’s how it works:
- You get a cash offer in 24-48 hours
- No repairs needed, they buy your house exactly as it is
- Close in as little as 7-14 days
- No real estate commissions
- No showings, no open houses, no stress
The offer might be slightly less than top market value, but you save on repairs, commissions, and months of waiting. For many people, it’s worth it. Understand your timeline: How fast can you sell your house in Long Island?
Important Things to Consider
Timing Matters
The Long Island market still favors sellers in many areas. But knowing when to list and when to move can save you thousands. Check out our guide on the best time to sell your house.
Know the Current Market
Don’t just guess what your house is worth. Understanding current market conditions helps you price right and sell faster. Read our Long Island real estate market analysis for current trends.
Special Situations Need Special Solutions
Sometimes you need to sell fast because of:
- Divorce (selling during divorce guide)
- Job relocation
- Financial problems
- Inherited property
In these cases, speed matters more than squeezing out every last dollar. That’s when selling for cash makes the most sense.
What If Your House Needs Work?
Not every house is in perfect condition. Maybe yours needs:
- A new roof
- Updated kitchen
- Foundation repairs
- Just general updates
Traditional buyers will want you to fix everything. Cash buyers don’t care. They buy houses in any condition. No repairs. No renovations. Just sell and move on.
Before You Make Your Decision: Do the Math
Moving is a huge decision. Don’t just go with your gut, actually run the numbers.
Calculate Your Real Costs
Long Island vs. Your Target Location:
Grab a piece of paper and write down your monthly costs right now:
- Mortgage or rent
- Property taxes (divide your annual by 12)
- Homeowners insurance
- Utilities
- Transportation (car, gas, tolls, train)
- Groceries and daily expenses
Now research what those same things cost in your target city. You might be shocked at the difference.
A couple paying $4,500/month for everything on Long Island might only pay $2,500/month for the same lifestyle in North Carolina. That’s $24,000 per year in savings.
Think About What Actually Matters to You
Money isn’t everything. Ask yourself:
Weather: Can you really handle hot humid summers in Florida? Or are you going to miss the changing seasons?
Family: If your kids’ grandparents are on Long Island, moving far away has real emotional costs. Video calls aren’t the same as Sunday dinners.
Career: Does your industry even exist in your target city? Can you really work remotely forever, or might your company change that policy?
Schools: If you have kids, research the schools in your target area. Not all “good school districts” are equal.
Culture Fit: Long Island has a specific vibe. Will you fit in Texas? Florida? Tennessee? Visit first before you commit.
The Housing Reality Check
Here’s something important: your Long Island home equity goes far in other states, but don’t assume you’ll live like a king.
Yes, a $650,000 Long Island home might buy you a $400,000 house in North Carolina with twice the space. But popular areas in Charlotte and Raleigh are getting expensive too.
Florida home prices have jumped significantly in the past few years. That cheap retirement dream? It’s getting less cheap.
Do your research on specific neighborhoods, not just cities. Look at:
- HOA fees (some Florida communities charge $400-600/month)
- Insurance costs (hurricane and flood insurance in coastal areas is expensive)
- Property taxes in your specific town (they vary widely)
Will Long Island Turn Things Around?
Can Long Island fix these problems and stop the exodus?
Honestly? It’s tough to see how.
The Problems Are Deep:
- Property taxes are high because of how local government is structured
- Changing that requires major political reform
- Housing is expensive because there’s limited land and high demand
- Jobs would need to grow significantly to keep young people here
There Are Some Bright Spots:
- Immigrant communities are growing and bringing new energy
- Suffolk County’s foreign-born population grew 4.2% from 2020-2024
- Some young professionals still want that Long Island lifestyle and are willing to pay for it
But for the trend to really reverse, Long Island would need:
- More affordable housing options
- Lower property taxes
- Better job growth
- Improved infrastructure and transportation
Until those fundamental things change, people will keep leaving.
Want to Learn More? These Resources Help
If you’re doing serious research about your move, check these out:
- U.S. Census Bureau Migration Data – This is the official government source for who’s moving where and why. It’s updated regularly with actual data.
- United Van Lines National Movers Study – Every year, they analyze where Americans are actually moving based on their moving truck data. It’s super helpful for seeing real trends.
- North American Community Hub – New York Stats – Great detailed breakdown of New York and Long Island population trends and demographics.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Look, leaving Long Island is emotional. This might be where you grew up, where your kids were born, where you built your life.
But the numbers don’t lie. Over 21,000 families made this choice last year. The reasons are real: taxes are crushing, costs keep rising, and other places simply offer better value.
This doesn’t make you a quitter. It makes you smart about your money and your future.
If you decide to stay: That’s okay too. Long Island still has incredible schools, beautiful beaches, and that special community feel. Just make sure you have a financial plan to make it work.
If you decide to go: Do it with your eyes open. Visit your target city multiple times. Run the numbers carefully. Talk to people who already made the move. Make sure it’s right for YOUR family, not just what seems good on paper.
And when you’re ready to sell your Long Island home, understand your options. Whether you want to go the traditional route or need a fast cash sale to get moving quickly, we’re here to help.
The important thing is making an informed choice based on real data, not fear or pressure. Your family’s future is too important to guess about.
Ready to sell your Long Island home and start fresh somewhere new?
123 We Buy House buys Long Island properties fast for cash. No repairs needed. No agent commissions. Close on your timeline, as fast as 7 days if you need to move quickly.
We’ve helped hundreds of families sell their homes and start their new chapter. Whether you’re moving to Florida, North Carolina, or anywhere else, we make selling your home the easy part.
Get your no-obligation cash offer today and take the first step toward your new life.
