Between April 2025 and April 2026, thousands of Connecticut homeowners sold their properties and moved out of state. According to the latest SmartMLS Migration Report, the top destinations were Florida (20%), New York (14%), Massachusetts (10%), North Carolina (7%), and Rhode Island (4%).
But the more important question is why so many people are choosing to leave Connecticut right now.
Top Reasons Connecticut Residents Are Moving Out
1. High Property Taxes Connecticut has some of the highest property taxes in the United States. With the statewide average at 28.22 mills (and some towns exceeding 60 mills), many homeowners are paying $10,000–$20,000+ per year in taxes alone on a typical single-family home. In contrast, many popular destination states like Florida and North Carolina have significantly lower property tax burdens. For retirees and families on fixed incomes, this is often the single biggest financial reason for leaving.
2. Overall Cost of Living Connecticut is approximately 12–13% more expensive than the national average. Housing, utilities (which run 30–36% above average), groceries, and auto insurance all add up. Many residents feel they are working harder just to maintain the same lifestyle they had 10 years ago. Moving to a lower-cost state allows them to keep more of their income.
3. Desire for a Different Lifestyle and Climate A large number of sellers are seeking warmer weather, lower humidity summers, and a slower pace of life. Florida and the Carolinas continue to attract Connecticut families and retirees who want year-round outdoor living without the harsh New England winters. Remote work has made this lifestyle shift much more practical.
4. Remote Work Flexibility The rise of remote and hybrid work has removed the need for many people to live near major employment centers like New York City or Hartford. This has enabled families to relocate to more affordable areas with better quality of life while keeping their current jobs.
5. Better Value and Housing Affordability Elsewhere Many sellers realize they can sell their Connecticut home for a strong price and buy a larger or newer home for less money in another state. This “equity release” move is especially attractive to empty-nesters and retirees.
6. School Costs and Education Choices Some families are leaving due to high local school taxes combined with dissatisfaction over school performance or the desire for different educational options (charter schools, private schools, or homeschooling) that may be more affordable or available in other states.
Who Is Moving and Who Is Staying?
The largest group leaving tends to be:
- Retirees and empty-nesters
- Families with young children seeking lower costs
- High-income professionals who can work remotely
At the same time, Connecticut is still attracting buyers from New York City and Boston metro areas who are looking for better value, good schools, and a more relaxed lifestyle — particularly in Litchfield County and parts of Tolland and Windham counties.
What This Means for the 2026 Market
This continued out-migration is actually creating more inventory for buyers in Connecticut. Every seller who leaves adds a home to the market, helping to gradually ease the extreme low-supply conditions we saw in previous years. This is one of the main reasons buyers have slightly more choices and negotiating power in 2026 compared to 2024–2025.
For sellers still in Connecticut, it means more competition. Homes that are well-priced, well-staged, and in desirable towns continue to sell quickly, but overpriced properties sit longer.
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