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uburban housing markets around New York City are seeing a sharp rise in demand as the mayoral race heads toward the Nov. 4 election, with Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamani leading in the polls. Mamani’s platform—featuring a rent freeze and higher taxes on top earners—has reportedly spurred many Manhattan residents to look beyond the city. Real‑estate agents Zach and Heather Harrison in affluent Westchester County noted a surge in calls from city dwellers after Mamani’s primary win in June, according to Realtor.com.

    “We’re seeing a clear link between Mamani’s surprise primary victory and increased interest in Westchester,” the Harrisons told Realtor.com. “Since summer, almost every city buyer we’ve shown homes in Westchester cites the mayoral race as a key motivator.”

    Home‑sale contracts have jumped 15% since the June primary, a trend local agents call the “Mamdani effect.” The current climate is prompting buyers and investors to rethink their next move, with Westchester emerging as the prime destination. The county’s median listing price hit $729,999 in August—well above the national median of $429,990. Unlike New York City, many Westchester municipalities do not impose a resident income tax, a factor highlighted by the Harrisons.

    “Taxes are the top concern for buyers weighing a move to Westchester,” Zach Harrison said. “With remote work common, people can leave the office and still enjoy larger homes, community amenities, and lower taxes, making the suburbs an attractive option.”

    The shift extends beyond New York’s outskirts. After Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the mayoral race, John Katsomatides, CEO of Gristedes and D’Agostino Supermarkets, told FOX Business that many New Yorkers—especially in real‑estate—felt panic, fearing a sudden drop in property values. “We have about a month left to the election, and people worry that a billion‑dollar portfolio could halve in value,” he said.

    Wealthy New Yorkers are also turning south. Daniel de la Vega, president of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami, reported a 50% increase in website traffic from the New York area in the week following the primary. “Our agents are receiving calls from buyers reassessing their options, and we’ve seen a clear uptick in demand for new developments,” he added.