Opinion

Four lessons why the 'Boom Belt' is making such a big noise with migration

California has lost more than 500,000 residents as Florida and Texas gain hundreds of billions in income migration

By Ted Jenkin Fox News

Published April 23, 2026 5:00am EDT

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NYC Mayor Mamdani dismisses 'imagined' wealth exodus from city

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani denied that wealthy residents were leaving his city over his proposed taxes or social programs during a Tax Day forum.

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If you want to understand where America’s economy is heading, stop watching Washington and start watching a map of the United States.

Because the biggest economic story in the country right now isn’t politics.

It’s migration. Like birds. Migrating south.

People and, more importantly, money are pouring into what’s now being called the "Boom Belt" including states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Arizona.

TEXAS EMERGES AS THE TOP DESTINATION FOR COMPANIES LEAVING BLUE STATES

Moving boxes are seen in front of a new townhome while other homes in the subdivision are still under construction as building material supplies are in high demand in Tampa, Florida, May 5, 2021. (REUTERS/Octavio Jones)

Meanwhile, high-tax blue strongholds like California, New York and Illinois are watching an uncomfortable trend unfold. Their taxpayers are leaving and taking their wealth with them.

The great wealth migration

Let’s talk numbers because this isn’t anecdotal.

NEW YORK'S HOCHUL DROVE ME TO FLORIDA — NOW SHE'S BEGGING ME TO RETURN. NOT HAPPENING

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