Why are Long Islanders coming and going? Check out this blog article to find out more!
August 26th, 2025
Written by Andrea Chen
Long Island has long been a desirable place to call home with its beautiful beaches and close proximity to New York City, but over the past few years more and more Long Islanders have been packing up and heading out. What's driving the exodus, where are they all going and maybe more interestingly, why are some of them turning right back around?
Why are Long Islanders leaving?
According to the North American Community Hub Statistics, Long Island had one of the highest outbound migration rates at 76% last year, ranking #3 in the United States. Nassau and Suffolk counties rank as some of the most expensive areas to live in the United States with higher costs in housing, property and income taxes, and basic living expenses. For these reasons, many first-time homebuyers, remote workers and retirees are moving out of Long Island to other states, the most popular ones including Florida, North and South Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.
The draw of these states include lower taxes and a lower cost of living, more space, warmer climates, greater work opportunities in tech and energy sectors, and friendlier communities. These rural and suburban areas tend to have less traffic, less crowd congestion and a shorter commute with a more relaxed lifestyle. Remote-based work has made it possible to keep New York-based jobs while living in these more affordable states. Other reasons why these states may have appeal are more lenient local governmental policies and more business-friendly environments.
Challenges Faced in Other States
But after leaving New York, some experienced higher insurance premiums in other states. Particularly with moves to Florida and the Carolinas, there are concerns about storm damage and the increasing cost of flood insurance for what are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as "repetitive loss properties" - structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program that have had "at least two paid flood losses of more than $1,000 each in any 10-year period since 1978."
Despite the risk of hurricanes, some Long Islanders continue to maintain a first or second property in affected areas in the South and reassert that the benefits outweigh the concerns.
Some Long Islanders are Moving Back
After moving out of state, other Long Islanders are moving back home, citing family, better schools, greater access to culture and a wider variety of things to do and eat. Long Island's proximity to both New York City and beaches are a big draw for many. Despite the higher costs, many have moved back for these unique qualities of Long Island living.
