New York City has long been a magnet for opportunity, culture, and excitement—but recent migration trends reveal a more nuanced story. Are New Yorkers leaving the city in droves, or is the Big Apple still drawing newcomers from across the country?

Key Takeaways:

  • More taxpayers left the five boroughs than moved in from outside NYC.
  • Half of those leaving stayed within the tri-state area; Florida was the second-most popular destination.
  • Brooklyn and Manhattan experienced the largest borough-to-borough shifts.
  • New residents primarily came from the tri-state area and California.
  • NYC attracted more residents from top U.S. tech hubs than it lost.
  • Only those earning $100,000+ per year were more likely to move to New York than leave it.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped life, work, and migration patterns across the U.S. As remote work surged, many sought more affordable housing and a better path to homeownership. NYC saw some of its residents move out—but the city continued to draw newcomers from across the country.

NYC’s Net Migration: 352,000 Residents Leave

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According to 2022 IRS data, around 174,400 people moved to New York City, while roughly 352,100 left—resulting in a net loss of nearly 177,800 residents.

Interestingly, most of those leaving didn’t venture far. About 161,400 relocated elsewhere in New York State or to New Jersey, with another 17,500 moving to Connecticut. That means over 50% of departing New Yorkers remained within the tri-state area.

Borough Shuffle: 125,500 Residents Move Within NYC

Migration within the city also tells an interesting story. Around 125,500 residents moved from one borough to another. Manhattan, despite its high housing costs, attracted over 26,000 newcomers from other boroughs, including:

  • 10,800 from Brooklyn
  • 8,400 from the Bronx
  • 6,000 from Queens
  • 700 from Staten Island

At the same time, over 35,300 Manhattan residents moved to outer boroughs, driven largely by the city’s skyrocketing home prices and limited housing supply. Manhattan’s net loss of nearly 9,300 residents reflects this ongoing trend.

What This Means for NYC

Urgent Residential Moves

While New York City faces a net outflow of residents, the city remains a major destination for high-income earners and talent from other key U.S. markets. Whether it’s the draw of career opportunities, cultural life, or the iconic cityscape, NYC continues to be a hub of migration activity—both in and out.

Whether you’re moving within the city, relocating to the suburbs, or heading out of New York entirely, a reliable moving partner makes all the difference. Movers Not Shakers offers professional moving services in New York, helping you navigate every step of your relocation with ease. From packing fragile items to transporting your belongings safely, our team ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. Don’t let moving add to your stress—trust us to get you settled in your new home quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule your move.

FAQs

1. Why are so many people leaving New York City?
High living costs, housing shortages, and the flexibility of remote work are driving many residents to seek more affordable living options outside NYC.

2. Where are New Yorkers moving to most often?
The majority of those leaving NYC are relocating within the tri-state area, with Florida and New Jersey being top destinations.

3. Are people still moving to New York despite the outflow?
Yes, New York City continues to attract newcomers, especially from tech hubs and high-income earners seeking career opportunities and vibrant city life.