New York Moving Trends have shifted significantly in recent years. Historically, New York—and of course, New York City—have been popular places to live, offering numerous perks. As one of the most densely populated areas in the country, New York has long attracted residents. However, factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, rising living costs, and other changes have led to a decrease in population, reshaping the New York Moving Trends we see today.

This outflow started in 2020, but five years later, are the effects still felt? Or is the exodus of New York, particularly New York City, over? What can we expect in 2025? Get the answers to these questions in this year’s prediction of New York moving trends. Discover what you should know about New York moving.

  • Continued Outbound Migration

In 2025, we can expect New York to continue following its trend of more residents moving out than moving in. This outbound migration has been happening since 2020, and the number of outbound residents reached a peak in 2021. This directly correlated to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down most places in the city. Plus, as an epicenter of sorts for the coronavirus, people sought less densely populated places to live during this tip.

Numbers have gone down since then, but people can still expect fewer residents moving into New York state and New York City in the new year. In 2024, United Van Lines reported 59% outbound migration from New York, with the leading reason for departure being family.

  • Manhattan vs. Other Boroughs

Of all the boroughs of New York City, Manhattan continues to lead the list of where in the city people are moving. The other boroughs unfortunately have not experienced population increases since pre-pandemic, but Manhattan has covered its numbers since the original exodus in 2020. According to Move Buddha, some of the factors leading to lower Manhattan’s continued growth are the added green spaces, schools, and residential real estate. 

Despite the resurgence of Manhattan’s population following the initial COVID-era decreases, international moves to New York City have not increased. Most of the increase is due to domestic moves—something that rings true for most of the country following the pandemic.

  • Younger People in NYC

So who is moving to New York City in 2025? Many reports show that New York City is bringing in young professionals more than any other demographic. The trend also includes a large volume of people working in tech, as this industry continues to grow in the city. This positions New York City as a destination for young, single people just starting their careers, rather than a top spot for families. 

However, although the average age in the city is decreasing, New York as a state has seen an increase in average age. 

  • Outbound to Florida

You might be wondering where people are headed when they leave New York. In 2024, Florida was the top state people moved from New York to. The Sunshine State offers a completely different way of life with a warm climate and a relaxed lifestyle. For this reason, many people leave New York at retirement age in favor of the warm, sunny beaches of Florida. 

Next on the list was New Jersey, New York’s neighbor, followed by North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. 

  • Suburban Influx

Another trend predicted for 2025 is a continued influx of residents in suburban areas around New York City. Many people who lived in the city have been heading to the suburbs in recent years, usually attributed to a desire for more space and a lower cost of living. As people continue seeking these attributes, we can expect New York’s suburbs to keep offering a new home for some New York City residents.

 

Prepare for Your New York Move

New York continues to offer an excellent place for people to move to, providing diverse regions that cater to different needs, whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quaint town.

Looking for a moving company to help you with your New York move? Trust Austin Moving & Storage for relocation services in Long Island and beyond. Our family-owned and operated business is committed to delivering top-tier moving, packing, and storage solutions to make your relocation feel like a breeze. We work with you to streamline your moving experience and cater to your specific goals and needs. You can trust that our highly-trained team of professionals will help you achieve a simplified move. Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our affordable moving services.