Sean Hannity Fled NYC Over This
Sean Hannity speaking with attendees at the 2019 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Sean Hannity's departure from New York City was about more than just taxes and crime. The Fox News host recently told former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that part of his decision to leave was driven by how unwelcome he felt in the city. Hannity explained that when he dined out, locals would glare at him with obvious hostility, describing the looks as "with daggers in their eyes," as reported by The Daily Beast. This unwelcoming atmosphere was a key factor in his choice to leave the Big Apple behind for Florida's sunnier, more politically aligned shores.
A Hostile Dining Experience
Sean Hannity, a conservative media figure known for his outspoken views, shared with de Blasio that part of his struggle in New York was the palpable hostility he faced in everyday life. He described how going to restaurants became difficult because people would stare at him with obvious disdain. According to The Daily Beast, Hannity said he "had a hard time going to a restaurant in New York City because people would stare at me, and hated me." This social rejection, combined with high taxes and concerns about quality of life and crime, pushed him to make a clean break.
This sense of being unwelcome in his hometown was a stark contrast to his experience after relocating to Florida, with Hannity explaining, "For the first time that I can think of in my adult life, I actually have representatives in the state that I'm living in that share my values," he said, as reported by the Independent.
The Practical Appeal of Florida
Hannity's move to Florida is not just symbolic; it also makes financial sense. New York's tax rates, especially for high earners, have become notoriously steep. Since 2021, taxpayers reporting more than $25 million in taxable income face a marginal state tax rate of 10.9 percent. For someone like Hannity, who reportedly earns around $25 million annually from Fox News alone, this represents a significant state tax bill in addition to his federal taxes.
By relocating to Florida, Hannity eliminated that tax burden entirely, as the state has no income tax. He has invested heavily in the Sunshine State, reportedly adding a $23.5 million waterfront estate and a $14.9 million townhouse near Mar-a-Lago to his property portfolio, which already includes homes in six other states.
A Political and Cultural Shift
Beyond the financial benefits, Hannity's move represents a broader cultural and political shift. Florida's reputation as a conservative stronghold with policies favoring law and order, lower taxes, and less regulation contrasts sharply with New York's progressive governance, which Hannity criticized for high taxes, burdensome regulations, and rising crime.
On his iHeartRadio show, Hannity framed his relocation as part of the ongoing "blue state exodus," according to the Independent — where many conservatives are leaving Democratic-led states for more ideologically compatible environments. He cited warmer weather, better education, and more freedom as reasons for his move, emphasizing that he is done with New York and its political climate.
The Broader Conservative Migration
Hannity's experience is not unique. The migration of conservatives from urban, liberal-leaning areas to states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona has been well documented. Many cite not only tax and safety concerns but also a sense of cultural alienation and hostility in their former communities. The glare Hannity described at New York restaurants echoes a wider feeling among conservatives who feel marginalized or canceled in cities dominated by progressive politics.
Political analysts suggest that this dynamic reflects broader cultural tensions in America's urban centers. Cancel culture and political polarization have created environments where ideological differences are not just debated but can lead to social ostracism. For public figures like Hannity, who are vocal about their conservative views, this can translate into real-world consequences, including social isolation. This environment is seen by some commentators as a factor fueling migration patterns as conservatives seek out communities where their beliefs are not only tolerated but embraced.
A New Chapter in the Sunshine State
Now settled near Palm Beach, Hannity is broadcasting from what he calls the "free state of Florida," as reported by The Daily Beast — a phrase he used on his radio show. He has expressed satisfaction with the state's political leadership and lifestyle, highlighting the contrast with his experiences in New York. For Hannity, this move is both a practical decision and a statement about where he feels he belongs.
Whether Hannity's story will inspire more conservatives to follow suit remains to be seen. But his departure from New York, framed by both financial pragmatism and cultural rejection, captures a significant trend in American politics and society. It is a reminder that where you live is not just about geography but about the values and community you find there.
References: Fox News Star Sean Hannity: I Left New York Because People Didn't Love Me | Hannity trolled over move from NYC to Florida: 'Wow what a gift to NY'
