New York is one of the most populous and diverse states in the US, but not all of its towns are equally attractive to live in. Some towns have been experiencing a decline in population, quality of life, and economic opportunities, making them less appealing for residents and newcomers alike. Here are seven New York towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to various sources and indicators.
1. Monticello
Monticello is a town in Sullivan County, located in the Catskills region. It was once a popular tourist destination, especially for Jewish vacationers, but it has fallen into decay and neglect over the years. Monticello has a high poverty rate of 36.6%, a high crime rate of 55.8 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $26,615. The town has also been losing population steadily, from 6,726 in 2010 to 6,231 in 2019, a decrease of 7.4%.
2. Newburgh
Newburgh is a city in Orange County, situated on the Hudson River. It was once a thriving industrial and commercial center, but it has suffered from deindustrialization, urban decay, and social problems since the mid-20th century. Newburgh has a high poverty rate of 31.2%, a high crime rate of 42.9 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $38,968. The city has also been losing population rapidly, from 28,866 in 2010 to 27,856 in 2019, a decrease of 3.5%.
3. Elmira
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, located in the Southern Tier region. It was once a major railroad hub and a center of culture and education, but it has faced economic decline and social challenges since the late 20th century. Elmira has a high poverty rate of 30.7%, a high crime rate of 40.5 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $31,825. The city has also been losing population steadily, from 29,200 in 2010 to 27,204 in 2019, a decrease of 6.8%.
4. Binghamton
Binghamton is a city in Broome County, located at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers. It was once a prosperous manufacturing and research center, but it has experienced economic stagnation and population loss since the 1980s. Binghamton has a high poverty rate of 32.4%, a high crime rate of 39.3 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $32,449. The city has also been losing population significantly, from 47,376 in 2010 to 44,785 in 2019, a decrease of 5.5%.
5. Utica
Utica is a city in Oneida County, located in the Mohawk Valley region. It was once a bustling textile and manufacturing city, but it has faced economic decline and demographic changes since the mid-20th century. Utica has a high poverty rate of 30.3%, a high crime rate of 37.4 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $35,388. The city has also been losing population gradually, from 62,235 in 2010 to 59,750 in 2019, a decrease of 4%.
6. Jamestown
Jamestown is a city in Chautauqua County, located in the westernmost part of the state. It was once a prominent furniture and comedy city, but it has suffered from economic decline and cultural erosion since the late 20th century. Jamestown has a high poverty rate of 27.9%, a high crime rate of 36.8 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $33,970. The city has also been losing population consistently, from 31,146 in 2010 to 28,862 in 2019, a decrease of 7.3%.
7. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a city in Niagara County, located on the border with Canada. It is famous for its natural wonder and tourism industry, but it has also been plagued by economic decline and environmental issues since the mid-20th century. Niagara Falls has a high poverty rate of 27.5%, a high crime rate of 35.7 per 1,000 residents, and a low median household income of $35,995. The city has also been losing population dramatically, from 50,193 in 2010 to 47,720 in 2019, a decrease of 4.9%.
Conclusion
These seven New York towns are examples of places that have been struggling with various problems and challenges, making them less desirable for living and working. Many people have been leaving these towns for better opportunities and quality of life elsewhere, resulting in population decline and further deterioration. While some efforts have been made to revitalize and restore these towns, they still face many obstacles and uncertainties in the future.