Ongoing political instability and rising safety concerns in New York are fueling a steady migration to South Florida, with local real estate professionals noting that many buyers are leaving behind deteriorating conditions in the nation’s largest city.
Nisachol DeVivo of Marx Realty Group Inc. has seen this migration trend accelerate in recent years, with clients citing reasons that go beyond the usual motivations of better weather and favorable taxes. Conversations with buyers reveal a demographic shift motivated by core quality-of-life concerns.
Safety as a Key Factor
“Most people moving from New York to Florida,” DeVivo said, but the motivations run deeper than the traditional snowbird pattern. “It’s so many problems going on, as you know, like it’s not the same anymore. A lot can sell the house in New York for a lot more money, and they can buy the house for less in Florida.”
She notes that safety has become a primary factor in buyers’ decisions. “If people don’t feel 100% safe in some area in New York, and people decide to sell the house, that’s what they told me.” This marks a shift from discretionary moves to relocations driven by necessity.
DeVivo observes that Palm Beach County benefits from a perception of greater safety: “We are franchised in Delray in Palm Beach is like so safe and beautiful right now and always been.” This reputation for safety is now a key driver of property values and buyer willingness to pay Florida prices.
Political Changes and Real Estate Decisions
DeVivo identifies political changes as a significant catalyst for migration decisions. “Politics is very important, because I feel like if something changed about political in New York, like the mayor or religion, and people feel the fear. That’s how people just decide to sell the house and move to Florida.”
This political sensitivity fuels ongoing demand that is less responsive to short-term market fluctuations. Unlike migration motivated by economic shifts or job opportunities, these moves are often permanent and less likely to reverse with changing market conditions.
DeVivo expects this trend to remain strong as political developments unfold: “2026 next year, depend on the politics change in New York City, yeah, we still waiting, waiting to see.”
Infrastructure Pressures in South Florida
The continued influx of new residents has created new challenges for South Florida communities. “Now we have, like, traffic and overpopulation. It’s over populate, because a lot of people moving down to Florida,” DeVivo said. This increased population is straining infrastructure and may eventually impact the same quality-of-life factors that initially attracted new arrivals.
The concern about overpopulation suggests that the region’s growth, while beneficial, could ultimately limit its own appeal if congestion and density continue to rise.
Economic Advantages for Migrants
In addition to safety, DeVivo’s clients are attracted by significant economic benefits. New York property values typically exceed those of comparable Florida homes, enabling buyers to upgrade their living situation while reducing overall housing costs.
This remains true even with Florida’s rising insurance premiums and property taxes. DeVivo points out that, despite these higher expenses, most New York transplants still find the financial equation favors Florida.
Distinct Market Effects
The ongoing migration from New York is creating distinct market dynamics in Palm Beach County. Many of these buyers have substantial equity from the sale of their New York properties, making them less sensitive to interest rate changes than first-time buyers.
Additionally, their motivations extend beyond finances to include lifestyle and safety, resulting in more stable demand even during market downturns. This group often views Florida real estate as both an investment and a safeguard against declining urban conditions elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
DeVivo’s insights suggest that political and social developments in major northeastern cities will continue to impact Florida’s migration trends. “Politics, that’s like, one of the most important thing,” she said, underscoring the need for real estate professionals to monitor political events alongside traditional economic indicators.
Her perspective highlights how national trends are increasingly shaping local real estate markets, creating demand patterns that go beyond traditional geographic and economic factors. For Palm Beach County, this ongoing migration offers both growth opportunities and infrastructure challenges that will influence the region’s future development.
