New York exodus begins as long-time city locals flee 'communist' Zohran Mamdani

Mr Mamdani beat Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor, on Tuesday to become the first-ever Muslim mayor of New York City.

Among the pledges on his manifesto, Mr Mamdani promised a rent freeze and a "millionaires' tax", both of which have worried wealthy New Yorkers.

Now, developers in Miami, nicknamed New York's "sixth borough" have revealed real estate interest is surging in their home city.

President Donald Trump also told business leaders in Miami on Wednesday that their city "will soon be the refuge for those fleeing communism in New York City".

But the NYC exodus has apparently long been foretold.

Since Mr Mamdani was chosen as the Democratic mayoral nominee in June, real estate circles from Miami to Palm Beach have seen a rise in demand.

On Tuesday, just before results from the election in New York were announced, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said: "Mr Mamdani is going to be realtor of the year in way more places than Palm Beach if he wins."

In response to criticisms about his plan for raising tax, Mr Mamdani told MSNBC: "I continue to think that having the top one per cent of New York City or making more than a million dollars a year, having them pay two per cent more for an economic agenda that would transform every New Yorker's life, including their own, is something that is worthwhile."

And it is not just local citizens who may be tempted to make the move.

Following Mr Mamdani's election, a Florida sheriff invited New York Police Department officers to abandon their city and move to his area.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood addressed his "NYPD friends", saying: "If you want to come to work in an organisation that is cutting edge, innovating every day, a place where you're appreciated by the community and supported by the elected officials, then check out the Volusia Sheriff's Office and take a look at how we're getting the job done."

He added: "We are open for business. Tonight's election is not the end. It can be the beginning of a new life."

During his victory speech, Mr Mamdani made reference to his city's justice system.

He said: "Safety and justice will go hand in hand as we work with police officers to reduce crime and create a Department of Community Safety that tackles the mental health crisis and homelessness crises head on.

"Excellence will become the expectation across government, not the exception."

Mr Mamdani had previously called to "defund the NYPD" in a social media post in 2020, however he has since claimed he will not do so.

Rapper 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, also weighed in on the new mayor-elect, saying: "I think his intentions are good, but his tax plan is gonna run the big money out of the city and if he defunds the police they are gonna purge."