Thousands Fleeing California, North Carolina, Texas For New York

Nearly 130,000 people just moved to New York State. Do you know where your neighbors are from in the Empire State?

Over 30,000 people from California recently moved to New York State. But, that’s not to top state that’s sending residents to the Empire State.

States Are Sending The Most People To New York StateCanva

Florida and Texas both crack the top 10, but neither is number 1.

Here’s the full list of the states sending the most people to New York.

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That list is from our friends at Stacker. The list was determined by using data from the Census Bureau.

New York State Gains Nearly 130,000 Residents

According to recent census data, nearly 20 million people currently live in New York State.

Despite many moving out, more people moved into New York. In fact, the state’s population grew by over 129,900 people.

121,000 Leave New YorkCanva

Approximately 121,000 people moved out of New York State in 2024. While that number might seem high, it’s actually the lowest level of outmigration since 2013. Although many residents left the state for other parts of the U.S., New York’s overall population grew in the past year.

Ban: These Baby Names Are No Longer Legal In New YorkTop 5 States New York State Residents Are Moving To

Based on census data, these are the top 5 states New Yorkers are moving to

Top 5 States New York State Residents Are Moving ToAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, thousands of New York residents are packing up and leaving to reside in these 5 states. Gallery Credit: Canva Canva#5 Texas# of people who relocated in 2023: 29,610 Canva#4 California# of people who relocated in 2023: 35,062 Canva#3 Pennsylvania# of people who relocated in 2023: 42,637 Canva#2 New Jersey# of people who relocated in 2023: 55,926 Canva#1 Florida# of people who relocated in 2023: 71,138

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15 Reasons Why New Yorkers Secretly Hate Living in New York StateJobs don’t match the cost of livingIn upstate regions especially, salaries lag far behind the price tags on homes and groceries. You soon learn to take stable income where you can find it. CanvaThe taxes will drain your soul (and bank account)New York’s taxes aren’t just high—they’re legendary. Between property levies in Westchester and Nassau, state income tax pushing past 10%, and sales tax on nearly everything, your wallet takes a daily hit. CanvaWinters are brutalWhen snow flies in October and April hits with another blizzard, you’ll wonder if spring ever arrives. Endless shovel duty, frozen windshields, and salt-crusted boots define the season upstate. CanvaThe NYC vs. Upstate divideIt’s not just geography—it’s a whole different world. Funding, attention, and resources flood the city while upstate feels largely ignored CanvaAlbany feels like it’s from another planetWhat lawmakers do up there often feels disconnected from life down here—until you’re hit with a new law. Residents shrug, wondering if Albany even remembers what real New York looks like. CanvaEverything is expensivePrices on groceries, gas, rent—even drive-through burgers—are noticeably sky-high. In New York, your dollar doesn’t get very far. CanvaCrime is a growing concernOnce-quiet suburbs are seeing thefts, drugs, and violence spike. Cities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo now regularly make national headlines. CanvaThe roads are a disasterDeep potholes, perpetual construction, and winter rot make driving a rough ride. It often feels like you need a survival guide, not a GPS. CanvaThe politics are polarizingLiberal NYC clashes hard with conservative rural and upstate values. That tension means lots of “You don’t get us” grumbling from both ends of the spectrum. CanvaLeaving the state is a hassleWant to escape to warmer weather? Expect tolls, traffic, and long stretches of highway before you hit the sunshine. A quick getaway often turns into a full-blown expedition. CanvaThe migration is realFriends are packing up for Florida, the Carolinas, even Texas—where taxes are lower and the sun shines more. Every farewell makes New York feel a little smaller. CanvaIt’s hard to buy a homeWith low inventory, insane bidding wars, and sky-high taxes, homeownership feels out of reach for many locals. The dream inches farther away unless you’re ready to commute hours. CanvaSmall‑town gossip is next-levelPrivacy is basically a myth in the suburbs and villages. Show up to the store in your sweatpants and you’ll know it—everyone’s already texting about you. CanvaThere’s a love‑hate loyaltyYou’ll hear complaints from New Yorkers until the cows come home, but try moving them elsewhere and watch the pride return. Somehow, even when it’s driving you nuts, Empire State love never leaves. CanvaThe weather is all over the placeOne day you’re in tee-shirts, the next you’re digging out your car from snow. Planning anything here is always a roll of the dice.

Six Reasons Why Empire State Residents Are Leaving

The Top 6 Reasons Why New Yorkers Are Moving OutWhy are so many New Yorkers leaving the state? It has been a popular discussion over the last few years, and an issue that was even addressed recently by Governor Hochul as one we the state needs to fix. The pandemic has certainly influenced the ratio of folks leaving New York versus those moving in, but there are a multitude of reasons why New Yorkers move out. Here are the top 6 according to United Van Lines.Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff Canva 6. Health8.8% of New Yorkers say they move out of the state to find a healthier lifesyle. Canva5. CostYou would assume the cost of living would be much higher on this list based on our high tax burden in New York, but nonetheless, it is till one of the main reasons New Yorkers leave. There are simply many cheaper places to live in the nation. Canva 4. Job23.04% of movers say a new job was a top reason to move. The pandemic not only change how we work from home but also inspired many to improve their employment situation. Canva3. Family28.48% of New Yorkers move to be closer to family. Canva2. LifestyleNo surprise that lifestyle lands as the #2 reason New Yorkers move out. 28.8%. Experts tell United Vans Lines folks “…wanting to be closer to family and lifestyle changes influenced by the pandemic…” are big factors here. Canva1. RetirementWhen it comes to retirement, it is not just a cost of living issue. Many in their golden years just want a better lifestyle with better weather! 31.2% of New Yorkers say this is the #1 reason they leave the state. Top 8 Reasons Why New Yorkers Are Leaving StateBelow are the top reasons why so many say they plan to leave New York State Canva#8Retirement: 4%
Canva#7Weather: 4%