New York is one of the most well-known cities in the world, famous for its fast-paced life, fashion and yellow taxi cabs, as well as diversity and culture.
People from all over the globe dream of one day moving to the huge city to pursue career opportunities and get a taste of what it is like to live in the city that never sleeps.
However, according to a recent poll released by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics, the majority of people feel their family would be better off if they left the Big Apple.
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With reports of violent crime on the rise in the city and no indication of things improving, many residents have decided they no longer want to call New York home.
The poll presented voters with the statement: “My family would have a better future if we left New York City permanently.”
In response to this, a massive 59 per cent of people said they agreed, a 12 per cent jump on voters asked the same questions one year ago.
However, 41 per cent answered that they somewhat or strongly disagreed that their family would be better off if they left New York.
Over half of the voters (54 per cent) said New York City was on the wrong track, while 46 per cent said it was heading in a positive direction.
Like any large city, crime rates are high. However, New York has seen huge growth in violent crime in recent months, something that is at the forefront of many residents’ minds.
Of those asked, 41 per cent cited public safety as their most important issue, almost double the 19 per cent who said inflation/cost of living/gas prices were their biggest concern.
Matt Lien, vice president at Core Decision Analytics, told the New York Post: “Crime is the cloud hanging over New Yorkers’ heads right now.
“New Yorkers are unsure of their future here and want to see change in their neighbourhoods. Address crime, and you will change New Yorker’s current outlook.”
Asked to rate the city’s quality of life, just 9 per cent said excellent, 32 per cent answered good, while 36 per cent said conditions were fair, and 23 per cent said they were poor.
Mr Lien said: “When 60% of people are concerned with crime and cost of living, it’s no surprise that the same percentage is trending pessimistically about New York today, but all is not lost. If crime and cost of living begin to decrease, I’d expect New Yorkers’ attitudes to shift quickly.”
From the results of the poll, it is clear to see that the majority of New Yorkers want to see change.
A staggering 95 per cent of voters said they approve of increasing penalties for gun traffickers, 92 per cent said they support giving judges more discretion to impose bail on defendants, while 85 per cent said they support the creation of the NYPD’s new anti-gun unit with modified uniforms.
Of those asked, 80 per cent said they approve of removing homeless encampments from the city, with 77 per cent agreeing that police should be used to remove homeless people from the subway system.
However, 62 per cent also said that officials would need to combine stricter law enforcement with looking at the roots of other societal issues to deal with crime.
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