Southampton’s Quiet Revolution: How Remote Work Is Creating a New Generation of Year-Round Residents

The pandemic fundamentally altered the landscape of America’s most prestigious seasonal destinations, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in Southampton, New York. Throngs of new residents flocked to the affluent New York summer destination in 2020 and 2021 in search of fresh air and more space. Home sales surged, children were enrolled in local schools and businesses signed long-term leases under the false promise of the area becoming a year-round community. While some businesses have scaled back their year-round operations, the fundamental shift toward permanent residency continues to reshape this historic Hamptons community.

The Remote Work Revolution in Southampton

New Yorkers are now living in the Hamptons year-round because their work situations may now make it possible for them to complete all of their daily job tasks without ever leaving home. This dramatic shift has created unprecedented demand for moving services as professionals who once maintained weekend homes are now establishing permanent roots in Southampton.

The economic incentives are compelling. New York State assesses an 8.3 percent income tax on high earners, a considerable tax burden compared to the rates in other states. Those who choose to make New York City their homes must pay an additional 3.9 percent to the city, meaning that the wealthiest New Yorkers pay 13 percent of their income in taxes. Simply moving out of the five boroughs could save high earners thousands of dollars every year.

Real Estate Market Transformation

The numbers tell a remarkable story of transformation. Before COVID, the median price hovered just under $1 million, with about 1,670 homes sold in 2019. During the peak of the pandemic in 2021, the median jumped to $1.6 million, and sales surged to over 2,500 transactions. Now, in 2025, the median is above $2 million and holding steady. We’re back to a more balanced, steady demand — without the panic buying — but with values that have clearly reset at a higher level.

We are benefiting from more year-round residents who are able to work remotely, but we are still suffering from a lack of inventory to sell, especially in our bread-and-butter price categories. This inventory shortage has created a competitive environment where well-positioned properties move quickly across all price points.

Infrastructure and Lifestyle Changes

The transition to year-round living has brought both opportunities and challenges. Realizing that many New Yorkers had relocated, luxury retailers like Jimmy Choo and Giorgio Armani opened stores in the Hamptons. One leading Manhattan prep school established a satellite in the Hamptons. Schools and other businesses that cater to elites are willing to go where they are, giving top earners one less reason to return to NYC.

However, the rapid population growth has strained local resources. Between 2010 and 2021, the population of East Hampton jumped by more than 30%, according to U.S. census data. Over the last few years, school enrollment has spiked and businesses have flocked to the region to capitalize on the influx of residents.

The Moving Services Boom

This demographic shift has created unprecedented demand for professional moving services. Families making the permanent transition from city apartments to Southampton estates require specialized expertise to handle high-value possessions and navigate the unique challenges of Hamptons properties.

For those planning this significant transition, choosing experienced movers southampton residents trust becomes crucial. Dunbar Moving has been serving Southampton and Suffolk County since 1986. We’re fully licensed, insured, and staffed by experienced professionals who understand what it takes to move valuable possessions safely. We’ve moved everyone from year-round residents to seasonal homeowners, handling everything from multi-million-dollar estates to cozy village apartments.

Challenges of the New Normal

The transformation hasn’t been without growing pains. As affluent New Yorkers moved out there full-time, they drove up housing costs in an already steep real estate market, making life in the Hamptons even more untenable for local workers. But what happens when the very people who staff local businesses can no longer afford to stay in the Hamptons?

The labor shortage has become particularly acute in service industries. The reality is in a resort community, labor is always an issue, but I think this year it’s exponentially worse because of COVID. Also playing a role is the difficulty in finding a place to live on the East End since so many people have fled to the region to escape the pandemic. Housing is always an issue, but with the backdrop of COVID and what housing is available is just so overpriced because of the demand, for hourly workers the equation is no longer sustainable in terms of how much they make versus how much it costs to live.

Looking Forward

The economy is in a great spot, and the Hamptons towns are buzzing like never before. There’s a huge wave of year-round buyers who see the Hamptons as their forever home, not just a summer spot. That demand is keeping the market red-hot.

For moving companies serving this market, the shift represents both opportunity and responsibility. Southampton’s unique character—with its mix of year-round residents and seasonal homeowners—means we’re experienced with all types of moves. Whether you’re relocating from a village cottage or a waterfront estate, we have the equipment and expertise to handle it properly.

As Southampton continues its evolution from seasonal playground to year-round community, the need for professional, reliable moving services has never been greater. The families making this transition are investing not just in new homes, but in a completely different lifestyle—one that requires the expertise of movers who understand both the unique challenges of Hamptons properties and the high expectations of discerning clients.

This transformation of Southampton from seasonal retreat to permanent community represents one of the most significant demographic shifts in recent Long Island history. As remote work continues to reshape where and how Americans live, Southampton stands as a prime example of how traditional seasonal communities can successfully adapt to serve a new generation of year-round residents.