In a surprising shift, thousands of people who once moved to warm states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina are now heading back to New Jersey.
This trend is unexpected because, for years, New Jersey has seen people moving out to escape its high taxes, cost of living, and cold winters. But now, things are changing.
Many of those who moved to the southern states during the COVID-19 pandemic did it for lower home prices, warmer weather, and more space.
But what looked like a dream move has started to feel like a mistake for some. Families are realizing that living far from their roots can be tough. From missing family support to not feeling “at home,” people are returning to New Jersey for reasons beyond just the weather.
According to real estate experts, people are noticing that the cost of living in parts of Florida and the Carolinas is rising fast.
The prices of homes, rent, insurance, and even groceries have gone up sharply in the past few years. Some say it’s now almost as expensive as living in New Jersey, but without the added benefits of being close to family and familiar surroundings.
Another major reason people are returning is the increasing risk of natural disasters. Florida, especially, has faced strong hurricanes, flooding, and insurance troubles.
The cost of home insurance in Florida has shot up, and in some areas, it’s even hard to find companies that will insure homes. These risks and expenses are driving people to reconsider where they want to settle long-term.
Also, some people who moved to the South for remote work are now being called back to offices in New York or New Jersey. With return-to-office rules becoming stricter, many remote workers no longer have the flexibility to live far from their workplaces.
Commuting by plane or staying in two homes is not practical for most. So, they are choosing to move back to New Jersey to be closer to their jobs.
There’s also the matter of healthcare and education. Many people who moved to smaller towns or rural areas in the South found that local schools and hospitals didn’t offer the same quality as they were used to. Some families are deciding that New Jersey’s public services are more reliable, especially for those with kids or elderly family members.
Real estate agents in New Jersey are seeing this shift clearly. Towns like Toms River, Cherry Hill, and Edison are attracting former residents who want a better balance of cost, safety, family life, and convenience.
While New Jersey is not perfect—taxes and property costs are still high—many are now seeing it as the lesser evil when compared to their southern move.
In the end, it’s not just about sunshine and square footage anymore. People are thinking more about their day-to-day quality of life, connection with their community, and long-term stability. For many, New Jersey is starting to look like home again.