To identify these would-be homebuyers’ top relocation destinations, economists at Realtor.com\u00ae looked at how many people living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island were perusing listings outside the Big Apple on the Realtor.com marketplace. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Notably, the data analysis covers the third quarter of 2025 from July through September, predating the victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani<\/strong> in the NYC mayoral election Tuesday.<\/p>\n The listings data has revealed that most New Yorkers thinking about getting a fresh start beyond the five boroughs preferred to stay within their home state, which commanded 14.1% of their views, making it the most sought-after area for Big Apple residents.<\/p>\n Compared with the same period a year ago, the share of NYC out-of-city listing views for New York State were up 1.1%, signaling a growing demand among those in the Big Apple. <\/p>\n Continuing the trend of seeking a change of scenery, but not too great a one, New Jersey emerged as the second-most popular state where NYC locals were looking for homes to buy, at 12.9%.<\/p>\n In fact, the Garden State saw the biggest annual increase in the share of NYC residents eyeing properties among the top 10 relocation hubs, climbing 1.4% from the third quarter of 2024 to the same period in 2025.<\/p>\n New York City dwellers who have moved to nearby towns in Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, or New Jersey markets like Bayonne or Jersey City commute to work in the Big Apple while enjoying suburban living.<\/p>\n Located a little farther afield, but still within a two-hour drive from Manhattan, Pennsylvania clinched the No. 3 spot on the list of states homebuyers from NYC are flocking to, with the share of listing views rising 1.2% from last year, to 10.7%.<\/p>\n Looking at recent housing data, the financial appeal is obvious: In September, the median list price in Philadelphia was $384,900, nearly $375,000 below New York City\u2019s median for the month, according to the Realtor.com monthly housing market trends report. <\/p>\n Pennsylvania also boasted the nation\u2019s most affordable housing market in September, with the typical home in Pittsburgh costing just $254,950. In October, Pittsburgh\u2019s median price decreased even further to $250,000. <\/p>\n “There’s a growing trend of New Yorkers looking to leave the city but remain close to it rather than uprooting their lives altogether,” says Realtor.com senior economist Joel Berner<\/strong>. “Affordability remains the driving factor, but New Yorkers are growing more interested in remaining near the city with their next home purchase than they are in going somewhere far-flung to buy a home.” <\/p>\n Chris Raad<\/strong>, owner of Harvey Z. Raad Realtors in Allentown, PA, tells Realtor.com that the area of Lehigh Valley, located about 90 miles from Manhattan, has become “a suburb of New York” in recent years. <\/p>\n “We definitely have seen a lot of interest in coming into Pennsylvania, notably the Lehigh Valley,” says Raad, noting that the newcomers are drawn to the region’s lower cost of living and more reasonable property taxes. <\/p>\n He adds that homebuyers get far more value for their money in places like the Lehigh Valley compared with New York City. <\/p>\n “Typically, you’re getting a lot more house for the dollar amount that you’re spending,” says Raad.<\/p>\n According to the broker, the two main draws for New York City transplants are affordability and a more relaxed lifestyle, while still being within relatively easy commuting distance to work.<\/p>\n![\"White](\"https:\/\/na.rdcpix.com\/39236851379175deb442c5868565a3efw-c4274904462srd_q80.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
![\"Bayonne,](\"https:\/\/na.rdcpix.com\/5e9a691b0f3f804c6df5f29fcab5a08dw-c2364961700srd_q80.jpg\" "\\"\\"")