New Yorkers enjoyed record-low rental costs during the pandemic, but those low prices have since vanished with prices returning near record highs. Realtors attribute this surge in demand to an influx of people moving back into Manhattan after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Cash-strapped tenants have had a particularly tough time of it. Some were forced to file hardship claims against their landlords, which provided them with protection from eviction but took an immense amount of money from their pockets.

1. New Yorkers aren’t coming back

As New York City emerged from COVID-19's shadow, many wondered if workers who evacuated Manhattan's office towers during the crisis would return in a hurry. Thankfully, signs suggest the city is making steady progress towards recovery.

For example, the city's job market remains far from pre-pandemic levels, meaning companies are having difficulty filling positions. These difficulties are particularly acute around Central Park, Midtown and the Financial District.

Many people are opting to move elsewhere in the U.S. or even overseas for greener, kinder climates, according to real estate brokers and agents interviewed by The CITY.

One of the primary reasons is exorbitant rents in New York City. Even with a good job that requires them to be here two or three days a week, renting an apartment in the city can be prohibitively expensive.

Although some parts of the city have seen an uptick in tourism, which could boost revenue and bring more people back to the area, volumes remain much lower than before the pandemic.

Officials said that while some people have begun taking off their masks outside, there's still a long way to go before the city fully reopens. That poses a problem as the city relies heavily on foot traffic and spending from visitors - which was one of its primary economic drivers before COVID-19.

But that doesn't mean there aren't people looking to return. The city is trying to demonstrate that urban living isn't just for the wealthy; it can also benefit those who are less well off.

Former deputy mayors have released a document entitled "Making New York Work for Everyone," which urges cities to assist more low-income residents in finding employment and obtaining housing. Additionally, it encourages cities to enhance educational opportunities and enhance public transportation services.

2. Rents are sky high

Rents in New York have reached record levels, and this trend appears to be set for years to come. This is due to several reasons:

1. Demand has grown as people return to the city from various locations, such as Florida and Texas.

Many of these newcomers bring money with them; some opt to live with family, but most remain independent.

2. Despite the surge of new residents, housing supply hasn't kept up.

As fewer apartments become available and flat inventory diminishes, land costs in Manhattan have skyrocketed, hindering development of new apartments.

3. Property taxes are on the rise, which has also contributed to an increase in apartment prices.

4. Zoning regulations in the city are stringent, which restricts the construction of new buildings.

5. With limited apartment availability in NYC, tenants tend to rent quickly.

6. The city's population hasn't been growing at the same pace in decades, which could explain why rents are going up.

7. Many of the new residents have higher incomes than their predecessors, which means they must pay more for housing.

8. Gentrifying neighborhoods have seen significant increases in their average income since 1990.

This rise in income is primarily the result of gentrification. Of the 55 New York neighborhoods classified as low-income or gentrifying, 15 have experienced rent increases exceeding their neighborhood median.

Central Harlem, Brooklyn's Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods, as well as parts of Morrisania/Belmont in Queens, Mott Haven/Hunts Point in the Bronx, make up this region.

It's essential to note, though, that income growth does not always correspond with rent increases. This is because incomes in some low-income neighborhoods have been relatively flat for some time and have barely changed at all in gentrifying ones.

Data suggests rents in gentrifying neighborhoods are linked to higher household incomes and education levels. Indeed, the average household income has increased by more than 30 percent since 2000 in these upscale communities, compared to only 14 percent growth among low-income areas.

3. New Yorkers aren’t coming back

Last summer, New York City's pandemic hit and renters were facing an unprecedented change. After years of steep decline, apartments became available again, leading to skyrocketing prices due to inflated demand and inventory levels.

Many were shocked by the rent increase: some apartment complexes raised their asking prices by up to 50 percent. Even those who had taken advantage of discounts while renting a condo during the pandemic received renewal letters demanding double their original amount, leaving them in an impossible predicament.

During that period, many former New Yorkers who had moved away during the pandemic decided to return. Some were forced back due to work-from-home mandates while others simply did not want to.

Emad Ahmed, 58, ran a food cart in lower Manhattan during the pandemic and was delighted to see it back up and running after several months of hardship. But his return wasn't without its difficulties as well.

He admitted the food business had to adapt, with ingredients becoming more expensive and operating expenses rising. To cut costs, he renegotiated his lease and added an outdoor patio. But to remain profitable, more work needs to be done on making his restaurant more profitable.

He was surprised at how quickly customers started flooding in since opening again. This may be the first time ever that so many people had come through in such a short time, according to him.

Some residents who were unable to flee the city during the pandemic have decided to relocate, which will affect rental markets and tourists who must rethink their travel plans and spend less money, leading to an uneven recovery for the tourism sector.

New York's economy has recovered more quickly than San Francisco, which has experienced a much slower recovery. This discrepancy can be seen in both tourism and office space occupancy rates; neither city has returned to pre-pandemic levels yet.

4. New Yorkers aren’t coming back

In the first 15 months of the pandemic, New York City suffered a staggering 300,000 resident loss. While this number is far from catastrophic, it's significantly greater than San Francisco experienced during that same timeframe. And this loss is especially noteworthy since Manhattan lies at the center of Manhattan - its most populous borough.

The city's vibrant economy, which relies on foot traffic and spending by tourists who spend more than locals, has suffered. Many have moved out or taken advantage of cheap flights to other cities.

As a result, businesses are having difficulty finding workers. Some are unable to hire or even obtain permits for businesses they believe could help jump-start the economy.

Some business leaders are feeling underutilized by the city. Some CEOs have met with Mayor Eric Adams and his top staff to address this matter, but many of New York City's most influential decision-makers still lack answers, according to Kathryn Wylde - president and CEO of Partnership for New York City.

Meanwhile, the real estate market in New York City is on fire. Some brokers report that those who evacuated during the pandemic are now back searching for condos.

These people aren't simply downsizing for cheaper housing; many are searching for better schools and communities. Some even plan to retire early.

A Siena College and Spectrum News NY1 survey revealed that nearly half of those surveyed said they are considering leaving the city within five years. This poses a major concern for many, as New York has long been known for its out-migration and influxes.

The city is a mecca for immigrants, particularly from Europe. It boasts many iconic landmarks and cultural institutions that draw millions annually.

But it hasn't always been this way. In the past, it served as a beacon for millions of immigrants seeking freedom from oppression.

Furthermore, New Orleans is known for its strong commercial ties to the South. This is especially evident in Times Square with plenty of restaurants and shops.