Despite being one of the most populated and diverse states in the union, not every town in New York is a desirable place to call home. Certain towns have seen a drop in population, standard of living, and employment prospects, which has made them less desirable to both locals and visitors. According to multiple reports, these are the seven New York communities that residents are attempting to leave as quickly as possible.
1. Monticello
The town of Monticello is situated in the Catskill Mountains in Sullivan County. Its heyday is now gone, but it used to be a famous tourist attraction, particularly for Jewish travelers. For many years, the community has struggled with issues like unemployment, poverty, crime, and a lack of investment. Monticello has one of the state’s fastest rates of population decline, with a 9.4% decline from 2010 to 2019, according to the US Census Bureau.
2. Newburgh
Orange County’s Newburgh is a town on the Hudson River. It is known to be among the riskiest locations in New York, despite having a rich history and a diverse population. The community has a high rate of homicides, assaults, robberies, and shootings due to gang violence, drug trafficking, corruption, and poverty. The US Census Bureau reports that between 2010 and 2019, Newburgh’s population fell by 5.4%, suggesting that residents are leaving the city in search of safer and more affluent surroundings.
3. Ogdensburg
In St. Lawrence County, close to the Canadian border, sits the community of Ogdensburg. It was formerly a bustling hub of commerce and industry, but the loss of trade, manufacturing, and tourism has severely damaged it. Due to a financial crisis, the town has been forced to raise taxes, reduce staff, and cut back on public services. The US Census Bureau reports that Ogdensburg’s population declined by 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, which might be attributed to a lack of employment possibilities and retention incentives.
4. Salamanca
Salamanca is a community in the Allegheny Plateau of Cattaraugus County. established on the Allegany Indian reserve of the Seneca Nation, it is the only city in the United States established on an Indian reserve. The finances and development of the town have been impacted by the ongoing dispute over casino profits between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York. Salamanca’s population fell by 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, according to the US Census Bureau, indicating discontent with the town’s leadership and future.
5. Seneca Falls
In the Finger Lakes region, Seneca Falls is a town in Seneca County. It is most recognized for having hosted the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848, which marked the beginning of the women’s rights movement. But because it has been eclipsed by other neighboring sites and visitors, the town has been losing its allure and significance. Seneca Falls’ population declined by 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, according to the US Census Bureau, suggesting that there was little demand for housing in the community.
6. Sherrill
In the Mohawk Valley, in Oneida County, sits the town of Sherrill. Because of its history of producing silverware, it is known as the “Silver City” and is the least populous city in New York. However, because of the influence of larger cities, aging populations, and factory closures, the town has been finding it difficult to retain its unique character and vibrancy. The US Census Bureau reports that Sherrill’s population fell by 6.1% between 2010 and 2019, indicating a decline in the town’s appeal and rate of growth.
7. Watervliet
Albany County’s Watervliet is a town situated on the Hudson River’s western bank. Formerly known as West Troy, it was a significant hub for the manufacturing of iron and steel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, as a result of social problems, urban deterioration, and environmental concerns, the town has seen a drop in population, revenue, and quality of life. The US Census Bureau reports that between 2010 and 2019, Watervliet’s population decreased by 5.9%, suggesting discontent with the town’s circumstances and future.
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Conclusion
Due to a variety of obstacles and problems, these seven New York towns serve as examples of areas that have been losing their appeal and desirability. People are leaving these places as quickly as they can in search of better lives and chances elsewhere. Certain communities might be destined to disappear and turn into ghost towns, but others might have the chance to recover and grow.