Leaving Long Island Doesn’t Mean Leaving Your Lifestyle—Here’s How to Have Both

So, you’re thinking of leaving Long Island. Cue the gasps, unsolicited opinions, and that one relative who says, “You’ll never find bagels like ours again.” And sure, they’re probably not wrong—but bagels alone shouldn’t be the reason you pay $18,000 a year in property taxes. In 2025, with housing markets shifting and remote work sticking around like your cousin’s bad karaoke at family BBQs, the idea of relocating without sacrificing your lifestyle is more real than ever.

Here’s how to leave the zip code without leaving your vibe.

1. Know What You Actually Love (And What’s Just Familiar)

Before you mourn your local pizza joint, ask yourself: is it the slice or the nostalgia? Maybe it’s the barista who knows your name—or your kids’ schedule. Many people miss the feeling of home, not necessarily the place. Find communities with similar energy: friendly faces, walkable blocks, and events that still give off “town fair with too many bounce houses” energy.

2. Hunt for Lifestyle Twins, Not Just Cheaper Listings

You don’t have to go full pioneer. There are plenty of towns that feel like Long Island without the financial whiplash. Think Asheville, NC; Saratoga Springs, NY; Bucks County, PA. They’ve got farmers markets, live music, schools that actually rank—and homes where you won’t need to remortgage to fix a leaky roof.

3. Don’t Settle—Strategize

This isn’t just a move, it’s a glow-up. Compare cost of living, healthcare access, and commute flexibility. Pay attention to states where your money isn’t immediately insulted upon arrival. And yes, you can get that backyard, office, and guest suite without choosing between heat and groceries.

4. Keep the Core, Ditch the Excess

Who says Sunday bagels and small business loyalty are location-dependent? Not us. You can bring your rituals with you. That hyperlocal lifestyle can exist elsewhere—you just need a zip code that appreciates it without charging you three grand a month for the privilege.

5. Stay Connected to What Matters

Leaving the Island doesn’t mean deleting it from your identity. You’ll still rant about LIRR even if you haven’t taken it in months. You’ll still argue about the best pizza place in Huntington even if you now live three states away. Your lifestyle is how you show up, not just where you parked.

6. Reimagine 'Local' in a New Way

No, your new town won’t have Billy Joel’s third cousin bartending—but it might have a cider house with trivia nights and a little league team that still plays hardball. Look for that same local magic in unexpected places. The vibe doesn’t disappear—it just evolves.

7. Find the Bagel Substitute (Eventually)

It might not be a perfect flagel with scallion cream cheese, but you will find something new to obsess over. Maybe it's the taco truck you hit every Friday, or the family-run bakery that nails your kid’s birthday cake every year. Your new “spot” is out there—you just have to let it earn your loyalty.

Final Thought

Long Island will always be Long Island—but your lifestyle isn’t locked to one shoreline. With a little planning and a decent GPS, you can take the best parts of the Island with you and leave behind the stress, the taxes, and the traffic on Sunrise Highway.

I’m Dean Miller, Long Island’s only AI-certified real estate agent. Whether you’re dreaming of ditching your tax bill or just testing the waters, I’ve got the straight talk and strategy you need. Let’s make your next move—smart, bold, and 100% you.