Why Are People Moving Out of New York?

No one questions the unprecedented times that made 2020 a year to remember, but one consistency in all of the uncertainty was the continued outbound moving trends for New York. According to the Atlas® Migration Patterns Survey, 66.4% of New York moves originated in New York and moved to another state. For the second year in a row, New York maintained the top spot on our moving survey, but overall, New York has maintained its status as an outbound state for over 20 years. So, why are people moving out of New York?

Unpacking New York Moving Trends

While COVID-19 defined much of 2020, it did not impact moving trends as much as you might think. In fact, 2020 opened up opportunities for many people who previously called metro areas like Nassau County and New York City home thanks to the ability to work remotely. Pressures from lost wages due to business shutdowns also prompted workers to seek other avenues for income, like freelancing. In fact, freelancing as an industry saw a 22% growth from 2019 to 2020, according to Forbes. Both remote work and freelancing provide workers with the tools to earn income without being bound to one location. Still in 2021, we are seeing a nationwide trend of small moves and people taking advantage of this newfound freedom to live wherever they want.

The pandemic might not have directly pushed people out of dense New York metro areas, but for many it served as the final factor in convincing them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Of course, even sources like BBC will agree that New York simply needs time to bounce back. However, with the rising cost of living, lack of jobs, and scarce space, people are looking toward growing cities in the West, including places like Idaho, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Finding New York Moving Services

When you’re moving out of a densely populated city, finding movers and packers can seem overwhelming at first. You need a company with nationwide moving expertise but the approachability of a local moving company. Atlas® Van Lines is a moving company made up of a network of local movers all across the United States, so you get the benefit of a robust company without sacrificing the personable touch of local movers who know the area and are ready to help you start this new chapter in your life. No matter where in the country you decide to go, we have long distance moving services designed to make your journey as easy and stress-free as possible.

Cross-Country Moving with Ease

Whether you are a family moving outside of the city or a freelancer making the most of remote work, Atlas® has tailored services to put the power of moving into your hands, including moving services like Small Move Solutions, which is designed to allow you to customize your move on your own. You can also utilize our technology like Atlas® Video Survey in order to receive a quote in the comfort of your own home. Schedule your own move dates with Small Move Solutions and we will work around your schedule!

Resources

Atlas® Van Lines, 2020 Migration Patterns
BBC, ‘New York is not dead, but it is on life support’
Forbes, Pandemic Fuels a Freelancing Boom