Reopen News: Nassau home sales surge as millennials flee NYC amid coronavirus pandemic

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Home sales surge on Long Island as millennials flee NYC amid pandemic

Stacey Sager reports on the surge in home sales in Nassau County.

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- Thousands of residents have fled New York City during the coronavirus pandemic, and it's unclear how many moves are permanent versus how many plan to return.

If it's more than six months, the city won't collect its more than 4% income tax, and property values will drop.

But in suburban areas outside New York City, there's been a real estate boom. In Nassau County on Long Island, home sales are up more than 60%.

"If you have two kids and you're in an apartment, it's a lot worse than having a home and having a yard," Douglas Elliman CEO Dottie Herman said.

Dan Krauth reports on people leaving New York City in record numbers amid the COVID pandemic.

According to the Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, the homes sales have surged due to the pent up demand as showings finally re-opened. But additionally, prices island-wide are up 5%, and 5.55% in Nassau. And along the North Shore, that number jumps to nearly 9%.

"We're also talking with school districts to see what their enrollment looks like," Curran said. "Whether it's going up or down, and what they might need in terms of help."

Experts say millennials are driving the new wave -- those on the older side, in their 30s, with families, but still looking to get out and enjoy eating and shopping.

"And these walkable, vibrant downtowns are a real key to that," Curran said. "That's what young people are really looking for."

But aside from the fear of COVID and the ability to work remotely, officials say the recent surge in gun violence in New York City may be what's sealing the deal.

"Even more fearful of the virus is what they're fearing about safety, with what's gong on in the city," Herman said.

Safety in all forms is the top priority.