The Changing Face of Long Island: Who's Leaving, Who's Arriving & What's Next

Long Island long ago became a revolving door—individuals moving in for a new start, and others fleeing in a panicked rush, screaming about property taxes. In recent years, migration tides have become even more extreme, redefining Long Island's character. The question: Who's fleeing, who's moving in, and what will it mean for Long Island's future?

Who’s Moving Out?

The Cost Exodus: Why High Prices Push People Away

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid: Long Island is expensive.Not in a "splurge-on-brunch" kind of way—but a "pay-more-in-taxes-than-some-pay-for-rent" kind of expensive. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, **over 21,000 Long Islanders moved out in 2024**, following a decade-plus stretch of sustained out-migration. Statistics compiled by the Empire Center confirm that **the state of New York lost 2.1% of its population between 2020 and 2023**, with Long Island contributing a big part of that loss.

Middle-Class Families Feeling the Pinch

The primary drivers? $11,000 a year in property taxes, housing costs rising 8.5% in 2024, and a slow jobs market in relation to growth states.** Where will these citizens migrate? To the same locations: Florida (no state taxes and an infinite pool of retiree communities), North Carolina (cheaper housing and room to move about), and Texas (in which everything, including salaries, is larger in proportion)

Retirees & Empty Nesters

The exodus isn’t random. **Retirees** are heading south to stretch their savings—because why spend your golden years shoveling snow when you can golf year-round? Young professionals are being priced out of homeownership and seeking better job markets in more affordable states. And let’s not forget **small business owners**, who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with Long Island’s commercial rents and sky-high operating costs.

Who’s Moving In?

Surprise! Long Island isn't just shedding citizens—but it's gaining them, too. But who are these thrill-seeking types who will brave taxes, traffic, and sticker price at King Kullen?Transplants from New York City, young families, and immigrant communities.

City Dwellers Seeking Suburban Life

According to the Long Island Association, **37% of all Long Island real estate sales in 2023 included buyers in NYC.** With work-from-home revolution facilitated during the pandemic, professionals long relegated to tiny NYC apartments have decamped to Nassau and Suffolk for room, schools, and yards big enough for a pet (at least a barbecue grill). Suffolk County saw a 11% rise in residential purchases in 2024 by buyers in NYC.

Immigrant Communities Strengthening Suburban Hubs

Immigrant communities fuel economic and cultural renaissance in communities including Brentwood, Hempstead, and Hicksville. Immigrants bring new companies, expand the talent pool, and make the region even more vibrant and diverse. Suffolk County's **foreign-born population grew 4.2% between 2020 and 2024**, spurring new business development and workforce expansion in industries including construction, healthcare, and technology.

What’s Next for Long Island?

With changing demographics, comes tremendous economic change. **The housing market is transforming**, with housing values ongoing even with rising mortgage rates. The **Long Island median price hit $650,000 in early 2025**, a rise over $595,000 in 2023, with interest rates at about 6.8% creating concern regarding affordability for buyers. **Rent demand is high**, with professionals and family buyers who cannot buy opting for long-term leases over purchasing. Rent vacancies fell 14% in 2024, creating a strain in a tight marketplace.

On the financial front, Long Island isn't resting on its laurels—**new industries are emerging**, including technology startups, renewable energy, and an increased presence of co-working spaces for work-from-home professionals. The New York State Department of Labor experienced a 7% gain in Long Island technology jobs in 2024 as employers become ever more interested in attracting work-from-anywhere talent. Officials in the region scramble to recruit new companies and discourage citizens from fleeing, but let’s face it—until they can shed property taxes, they have a long, long way to go.

So, What's That Do for Me?

If you’re a **potential seller**, you're in a position of power—sophisticated buyers, many of whom are moving out of NYC, are plentiful. If you’re **a buyer**, competition and high prices can be expected, but Long Island's attraction isn't going to fall out of favor. And if you're deciding between staying and moving? **Compare your quality of life, budget, and tolerance for driving in traffic first.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or relocating, one thing’s clear—Long Island is evolving, and positioning yourself on the right side of these changes is key. From hot demand in suburban markets to new economic opportunities, understanding where you stand in the mix can make all the difference.

If you’re weighing your options, let’s strategize your next move before the market shifts again.

📩 Email me at Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com
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🏡 Because where you live—and when you move—matters.