Palm Beach isn’t just a sunny getaway anymore — it’s officially a top destination for high-earning New Yorkers making a permanent move.
According to a new report from the Citizens Budget Commission, nearly 20,000 people left New York City for Palm Beach County between 2017 and 2022 — bringing with them a whopping $4 billion in income. That’s right: billion, with a “B.” These weren’t just any residents either; the average per-person income was around $190,000.
So, what’s driving the exodus? Think lower taxes, warmer weather, more space, and fewer of the headaches that come with big-city living. The pandemic sped things up, but quality of life, cost of living, and public safety were already pushing people to look south.
While Miami-Dade saw even more arrivals (over 26,000 people bringing in $5.2 billion), Palm Beach is carving out its own reputation as the upscale escape with staying power.
Bottom line: Palm Beach isn’t just where people vacation anymore — it’s where they’re building new lives. And based on the numbers, they’re bringing their checkbooks with them.
