Full Breakdown
New Yorkers Opt for Country Homes While Renting in Manhattan
3/7/2026, 11:40:07 PM
The Shift in Real Estate Preferences
In recent years, a notable trend has emerged among New Yorkers: many are purchasing vacation homes in regions like the Hamptons, Hudson Valley, and Catskills while continuing to rent in Manhattan. This shift reflects a desire for spacious retreats away from the city's density and chaos, with some residents prioritizing lifestyle and investment opportunities over traditional urban living.
Changing Buyer Profiles
Real estate agent Corey Wayne Ogle identifies two primary buyer profiles in this trend. The first is the lifestyle buyer, who has the financial means to purchase in the city but opts for a home outside it, valuing the escape it provides. The second is the investment-minded buyer, who views property as both a personal retreat and a potential source of rental income through platforms like Airbnb. Claudia Zucker, another real estate agent, notes that this trend has been particularly appealing for those in below-market apartments, who have little incentive to leave their city leases yet wish to build equity elsewhere.
Influencer Impact and Social Media
The trend has gained traction partly due to social media influencers. For instance, TikTok influencer Halley Kate announced her purchase of a Hamptons home at age 23 while still maintaining her Manhattan apartment. Her rationale—having spent significant amounts on summer rentals—resonated with many young New Yorkers, highlighting the challenges of housing affordability in the city. Comments from viewers revealed a mix of admiration and despair, reflecting broader concerns about property ownership among younger generations.
Market Dynamics and Challenges
Despite the appeal of purchasing outside the city, the real estate market presents challenges. The pandemic has driven up property values in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, with median home prices surpassing $350,000 in all nine Hudson Valley counties for the first time in 2025. Buyers like Jason Jahn have faced difficulties in securing properties, encountering issues such as hidden problems during inspections and competitive bidding wars. Jahn's experience underscores the need for prospective buyers to prepare thoroughly, including securing financing and building a reliable support team.
Official Statements & Responses
Realtors emphasize the importance of understanding market dynamics and being patient in the search for a property. Ogle advises potential buyers to crunch the numbers and consult with mortgage lenders to grasp their financial standing before beginning their search. Zucker cautions that the price advantage that once made upstate markets attractive has diminished, complicating the decision-making process for buyers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In New York City, it’s hard to find a long-term home,” — Alba Goldstein, Homeowner
- “What’s a little bit more square footage in the city really going to give me?” — Alba Goldstein, Homeowner
- “and then for whatever reason it falls through, and it just gets so demoralizing.” — Jason Jahn, Buyer
- “You really don’t know what your price point is going to be until you crunch the numbers and chat with a mortgage lender,” — Corey Wayne Ogle, Real Estate Agent
Conclusion: The Allure of an Escape
For many New Yorkers, the allure of owning a property outside the city represents a long-sought escape from urban life. While the journey to securing such a property can be fraught with challenges, those who succeed often find a rewarding sanctuary that enhances their quality of life. As Goldstein reflects, “Having that escape made the city a lot more bearable.”
