The Great New York Exodus of 2022: Did Everyone Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple and Leave?
Let's face it, New York City is an acquired taste. It's a place where dreams are chased on crowded subways, fashion statements are made on tiny sidewalks, and a decent-sized apartment can cost more than a small island nation (give or take a yacht). So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that in 2022, a whole bunch of people decided to, well, peace out.
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| How Many People Left New York In 2022 |
But How Many People Exactly Peace-ed Out?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York saw a net domestic migration loss of over 240,000 residents in 2022. That's a fancy way of saying that way more people left the state than moved in from other parts of the US.
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Think of it this way: If you stacked all those people on top of each other, you'd have a human skyscraper taller than Mount Everest (although, that might make rush hour even worse).
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Where Did Everyone Go?
Florida seems to have replaced the Statue of Liberty as the new beacon of hope for many New Yorkers. Nearly 100,000 Empire State residents relocated to the Sunshine State in 2022, presumably lured by the promise of beaches, lower taxes, and the chance to wear flip-flops year-round. Other popular destinations included neighboring states like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Let's just say, the U-Haul rental business in the tri-state area was booming!
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Maybe they were all after:
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- More affordable housing: Because let's be honest, a shoebox in Brooklyn shouldn't cost more than a mansion in Montana.
- A slower pace of life: Because sometimes you just want to walk down the street without feeling like you're in a human centipede.
- Less crowded commutes: Because rush hour on the subway is basically a game of sardines with questionable hygiene standards.
But hey, that's just speculation.
So, Did New York Become a Ghost Town?
Not quite. Thankfully, the city that never sleeps (or at least has a serious case of insomnia) still has a vibrant population. While the exodus of 2022 was significant, there was still some migration in, and New York remains one of the most populous cities in the world.
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FAQ: How to Escape (or Not Escape) the Big Apple
How to decide if New York City is right for you? This is a complex question. Do you thrive on chaos? Can you navigate a crowded sidewalk blindfolded? Do you have a trust fund? If you answered yes to most of these, then New York might be your jam.
How to find an affordable apartment in New York City? This one is a trick question. There is no such thing. However, you might be able to find a roommate who will share the cost of your closet-sized living space.
How to survive a New York City commute? Invest in noise-canceling headphones, a good book, and a healthy dose of patience (seriously, you'll need it).
How to avoid getting trampled by tourists in Times Square? Develop a ninja-like ability to dodge slow-moving selfie sticks and people in giant character costumes.
How to fall in love with New York City (despite its quirks)? Embrace the energy, the diversity, the late-night pizza slices, and the endless possibilities that this crazy, wonderful city has to offer.
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