Escape to Long Island: A Welcome Mat Away from New York City’s New Direction
Nassau County is rolling out the welcome wagon for New York City residents and businesses considering relocation in light of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s upcoming administration. In a press conference held at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, County Executive Bruce Blakeman unveiled a marketing campaign specifically designed to attract those who may feel uneasy about the incoming mayor’s progressive policies. Standing alongside local business leaders and real estate professionals, Blakeman painted Nassau County as an attractive alternative with its exceptional schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and museums—all within commuting distance of Manhattan but worlds apart in terms of governance philosophy.
“Basically, every community has a large group of people who are really concerned,” Blakeman explained, noting that he’s already fielding inquiries from residents across all five boroughs. “I had someone call me up yesterday and ask me if I could recommend a real estate broker. They asked me about the schools, ‘which are the best schools?'” The Republican county executive, fresh off a decisive re-election victory against his Democratic challenger, emphasized that interest is coming from all corners of the city—Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and particularly Manhattan. Beyond individual residents, Blakeman mentioned that business owners and religious leaders have also expressed concern about Mamdani’s policies and their potential implications for New York City’s future.
Blakeman didn’t mince words regarding his view of Mamdani’s platform, describing some of the incoming mayor’s stated policies as “very, very troubling.” The county executive made specific reference to concerns within the Jewish community, suggesting that Mamdani’s positions on Israel have created anxiety among some New York City residents. This part of the pitch appears calculated to appeal to Jewish New Yorkers who might be uncomfortable with the incoming mayor’s past statements and current stances related to the Middle East conflict. Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip reinforced this message at the press conference, declaring, “We are welcoming anyone—Jewish, non-Jewish… We are welcoming everyone… we care about residents.”
The marketing campaign, set to launch in approximately two weeks, is ambitious in scope. While initially targeting New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, Blakeman envisions expanding its reach throughout the tri-state region and eventually nationwide. “We will take this not only to New York City and the metropolitan area and the tri-state area, but we’re going to take this campaign across the United States,” he stated. The initiative appears designed not only to capitalize on potential concerns about New York City’s new leadership but also to promote Nassau County as a destination for anyone seeking what Blakeman characterizes as good governance, regardless of where they currently live.
Beyond political differences, Nassau County’s pitch emphasizes its practical advantages for families and businesses. Blakeman highlighted that property values have consistently increased since he took office in 2022, suggesting financial stability for potential homebuyers. The county’s promotional materials showcase its educational institutions, which Blakeman described as “top-notch,” alongside its reputation for public safety. County Legislator Pilip specifically praised Nassau’s law enforcement, calling it “the best law enforcement in the country.” These quality-of-life arguments form the core of Nassau’s appeal to those who might be considering leaving New York City, offering the suburban lifestyle with proximity to urban amenities.
The timing of this campaign—launched just as New York City prepares for a transition of power—reflects the ongoing competition between urban centers and their suburban neighbors, a dynamic accelerated in recent years by pandemic-related migration patterns. While the press conference’s location just six miles from the Queens border symbolized Nassau’s accessibility to city dwellers, it also highlighted the political contrasts between the progressive direction of New York City and the more conservative approach of Nassau County’s leadership. Whether this campaign will result in a significant population shift remains to be seen, but it represents a clear invitation to those who might be considering a change: escape to Long Island awaits.
