New York State has always been a magnet for people from across the United States and around the world. From the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet landscapes of the Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, and Finger Lakes, the Empire State attracts newcomers for jobs, education, family, and lifestyle.
Recent census data reveals a fascinating shift in migration patterns. Nearly 130,000 people moved into New York State in the most recent year tracked, while about 121,000 residents left. Despite outmigration, the state posted a net population gain of nearly 130,000 residents — a significant turnaround compared to prior years of population decline.
But the real story lies in where these new New Yorkers are coming from, where departing residents are headed, and the deeper reasons driving these moves.
This article breaks down the full migration data, highlights the top inbound and outbound states, and explores why New Yorkers leave while others are eager to move in.
The Influx of Residents into New York
Census data shows that tens of thousands of people relocated to New York from states across the country. While the list is long, certain states dominate the inflow.
To give a clear picture, here’s a table summarizing the top 10 states sending residents to New York.
| Rank | State | Number of People Moving to NY (2022) | Share of New In-State Movers | Common Rank Moving Away From That State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | 38,771 | 12.86% | #3 |
| 2 | California | 34,681 | 11.50% | #7 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 28,184 | 9.35% | #3 |
| 4 | Florida | 21,300 | 7.07% | #7 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 20,673 | 6.86% | #3 |
| 6 | Connecticut | 14,981 | 4.97% | #1 |
| 7 | Texas | 12,233 | 4.06% | #15 |
| 8 | Virginia | 11,990 | 3.98% | #7 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,915 | 3.62% | #7 |
| 10 | Georgia | 8,889 | 2.95% | #8 |
New Jersey tops the list, contributing nearly 39,000 residents to New York. Its proximity makes the move easy, especially for commuters and families with cross-border ties. California comes second, with over 34,000 residents making the cross-country move to the Empire State — a surprising reversal given California’s reputation as a major inbound destination itself.
Pennsylvania, Florida, and Massachusetts round out the top five, showing the balance between nearby regional moves and long-distance relocations.
Migration Beyond the Top Ten
Beyond the top ten states, thousands more moved from across the nation. States such as Illinois, Maryland, Washington D.C., Colorado, and Arizona each sent between 4,000 and 8,000 residents. Smaller contributors like Vermont, Oregon, and South Carolina show that even distant or less populous states play a role in New York’s demographic growth.
Interestingly, Vermont had the highest rate of outbound migration toward New York relative to its size. Over 4,000 Vermonters made the move, making New York the top destination for those leaving the Green Mountain State.
Why People Are Moving to New York
Several factors explain why people continue to flock to the Empire State despite its reputation for high taxes and a steep cost of living.
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Job Opportunities: New York City remains a global hub for finance, media, arts, and technology, while regions like Albany and Buffalo are experiencing growth in healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
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Education: The state boasts top universities such as Columbia, NYU, Cornell, and the SUNY system, attracting students and staff from across the nation.
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Family Ties: For residents of nearby states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, moving to New York often means reuniting with family or cutting commute times.
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Cultural Magnet: Few places in the world rival New York for diversity, culture, and opportunity. For many, the energy of the state — especially New York City — outweighs the challenges.
The Other Side: Why Residents Leave New York
While nearly 130,000 people moved in, about 121,000 residents left New York during the same period. Outmigration is a long-standing trend, and while the pace slowed compared to past years, it remains significant.
Here’s a look at the top five states New Yorkers are moving to.
| Rank | Destination State | Number of New Yorkers Who Relocated (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 71,138 |
| 2 | New Jersey | 55,926 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 42,637 |
| 4 | California | 35,062 |
| 5 | Texas | 29,610 |
Florida dominates as the top destination, drawing over 71,000 New Yorkers in a single year. The appeal is obvious: warmer weather, lower taxes, and retirement-friendly communities. New Jersey and Pennsylvania attract movers who want proximity to New York but lower living costs.
California and Texas also rank highly, showing that job opportunities and lifestyle considerations drive many New Yorkers to opposite corners of the country.
Top Reasons New Yorkers Move Out
Beyond the raw numbers, surveys highlight the reasons behind this steady migration outward.
Retirement
The leading factor for leaving is retirement. Over 31% of departing residents cite retirement as their primary motivation. Warmer states like Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona offer milder weather and lower living costs, making them natural retirement havens.
Lifestyle
Nearly 29% of movers say lifestyle changes are the reason for relocation. The pandemic amplified this trend, with many New Yorkers seeking space, slower-paced living, and better work-from-home arrangements in suburban or rural areas outside the state.
Family
Roughly 28% move out to be closer to family. With rising costs in New York, some households relocate to areas where they can afford larger homes and remain close to extended relatives.
Jobs
About 23% of residents leaving cite job opportunities. While New York City remains a powerhouse, industries like tech and energy are growing rapidly in states like Texas, drawing away skilled workers.
Cost of Living and Taxes
Even though not always listed as the top single reason, affordability consistently ranks as one of the major drivers. From property taxes to grocery prices, the high cost of living pushes many to states where their salaries stretch further.
Net Migration: A Balancing Act
The push and pull of migration creates an intriguing balance in New York. The state loses tens of thousands each year, but the influx from other states and international arrivals keeps its population stable and even growing slightly.
Recent census data indicates New York’s total population stands at nearly 20 million. For the first time in years, the Empire State gained residents overall, highlighting that while many leave, just as many — and sometimes more — arrive.
Challenges for the Empire State
Despite population growth, New York faces persistent challenges:
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Affordability Crisis: Housing costs remain steep, particularly in New York City and surrounding counties.
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Tax Burden: High property and income taxes discourage long-term settlement for middle-class families.
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Infrastructure Strain: Migration increases demand on schools, transit, and healthcare systems.
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Regional Divide: Upstate regions often feel overshadowed by New York City in terms of funding and policy focus.
Why People Stay Despite the Struggles
For all its drawbacks, New York inspires fierce loyalty among its residents. The cultural richness, career opportunities, and sense of belonging make it hard for many to imagine living anywhere else. Even those who complain about the high costs and harsh winters often admit that nothing compares to the vibrancy and pride of being a New Yorker.
Predictions for the Future of Migration
Looking ahead, migration trends in New York are likely to continue shifting with economic and social conditions.
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Remote Work Expansion: This trend could both help and hurt New York. Some workers may choose cheaper nearby states, while others might relocate to New York for its cultural amenities while keeping jobs elsewhere.
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Retirement Boom: Florida and other southern states are expected to remain top destinations for retirees leaving New York.
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Immigration Factor: International migration will continue to bolster New York’s population, offsetting domestic outmigration.
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Housing Policies: Efforts to expand affordable housing could influence whether more residents stay long-term.
Conclusion
New York State remains one of the most dynamic migration hubs in the United States. Nearly 130,000 people moved into the state recently, while about 121,000 left — creating a delicate balance that reflects both the opportunities and challenges of living in the Empire State.
The data shows a clear picture: nearby states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut continue to feed into New York, while southern states like Florida draw away large numbers of residents. Retirement, lifestyle, family ties, jobs, and costs all shape these movements.
In the end, New York is a state of contrasts. People leave in search of affordability and sunshine, yet just as many arrive seeking opportunity, culture, and the unique energy that only the Empire State provides.
For now, New York continues to reinvent itself with every wave of movers — proof that migration is not just about numbers, but about the constant reshaping of identity, community, and the future of one of America’s most iconic states.
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