Orthodox Jewish Families Flee New York for Florida Amid Rising Antisemitism

More than 100 Orthodox Jewish families are planning to relocate from New York to a new community in Florida, citing rising antisemitism and political issues in their home state. These families are joining approximately 60 others who have already made the move to Lakefront Estates in Glades County, Florida.

The planned community, a $300 million development on 550 acres, officially opened in October and has since seen a notable influx of residents. Lakefront Estates features amenities tailored to the Orthodox Jewish community, including a kosher supermarket, a synagogue, and a yeshiva.

Yidel Perlstein, CEO of Lakefront Estates, stated that the Orthodox Jewish community represents the initial wave of sales at the development, driven by a significant desire among Jewish people to leave New York. However, he emphasized that the homes are available for purchase by anyone.

Prices for homes at Lakefront Estates start at $460,000 for four-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot residences and go up to $585,000 for seven-bedroom, 3,700-square-foot homes.

Several families interviewed attributed their decision to leave New York to a perceived increase in antisemitism, which they felt intensified under Mayor Zohran Mamdani. One former Brooklyn resident, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, described feeling antisemitism pervasive even in their formerly stable community of Borough Park after Mamdani's arrival.

Another resident, a mother of four who also wished to remain anonymous, cited both rising antisemitism and the high cost of housing in New York as primary factors for their move to Florida. She noted that New York has become increasingly antisemitic and that Florida's policy of providing school vouchers for private education also influenced their decision.

Data from the NYPD indicates a nearly 16% increase in hate crimes in New York City since the previous year, with anti-Jewish incidents accounting for half of these crimes.

New York State Representative Aron Wieder, a Democrat representing Rockland County, has observed approximately 20 families from his predominantly Orthodox district relocate to Lakefront Estates. He believes the surge in antisemitism has motivated many in his community to seek housing outside of New York. Wieder expressed concern that descendants of Holocaust survivors now face similar anxieties to those that preceded the Holocaust, forcing Jews to feel unsafe walking down the street.

Beyond antisemitism, Wieder also pointed to New York's high taxes and housing costs as significant drivers for the migration of Orthodox Jews.

New York leads the nation in state and local taxes, collecting approximately $13,000 per capita, according to a study by the Citizens Budget Commission. The state was ranked last in housing affordability and homebuilding in the 2026 Realtor Housing Report Card.

Orthodox Jews often have larger families, necessitating more spacious housing that has become increasingly unaffordable in New York. The demand for larger homes or costly expansions is often out of reach in the current New York housing market.

Perlstein reported that the local residents of Glades County have been welcoming, and his investment has benefited the local economy. He described the area as a "paradise" with pleasant weather and friendly people.

However, some residents have encountered hostility. Online influencers, including Jake Lang and Jeffrey Walstein, have targeted the community with antisemitic rhetoric on social media. Lang visited the town on October 13, and Walstein arrived the following day. In a viral video, Lang was heard saying, "They don’t assimilate, they eat their own food, speak their own language, they worship their own God, they don’t dress like us, they are not Americans."

Perlstein noted that local authorities have worked to protect the community from such influencers, but residents remain apprehensive. He expressed concern that the widespread audience of these influencers could incite dangerous actions from unstable individuals.

"We're just a few people in no man's land. We're here to build our families, build our community, be nice to our neighbors," stated the mother of four.