“We were living a cramped life in New York,” said Alberswerth.

The family left their two bedroom apartment behind to purchase their current 4-bedroom home in a quiet neighborhood.

“My mortgage is the same as [the rent for] our 2 bedroom apartment,” said Alberswerth.

Sami added, “It feels like the ‘Wonder Years’ for Quynh. We know she is safe.”

Alberswerth and Sami are part of a growing number of New York City transplants, who have moved to the Williamsport area. Whether they are here permanently or just part-time residents, they are contributing to the local economy. By buying housing, participating in the arts or opening new businesses, these New Yorkers are giving back in diverse ways. But what do they get back in return?

“The main factors drawing people to our area are affordability of homes, more availability of rural homes and there is an attraction to our school districts in our area. And we are fortunate with big employers, the universities, hospitals and other larger employers,” said Bob Boob, a real estate agent and owner of CENTURY 211st Choice Realty in Jersey Shore.

Boob added outdoor recreation is also a big draw. Sara Winkelman, who moved to Williamsport from Manhattan, agrees.

“Access to the outdoors is incredibly easy and close, from year-round hiking to kayaking and paddleboarding in the summer, and the trails are never crowded,” said Sara.

Sara was part of the exodus from New York City, when she moved here in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. Williamsport was an easy choice for Sara, since her parents, Mark and Suzie Winkelman, own the Pajama Factory in Williamsport.

“What began as a temporary move became permanent in part because we fell in love with our loft in the factory and the sense of community that came with it,” said Sara, whose fiancee at the time, Phil Baughman, also moved to Williamsport.

Sara and Baughman are now enjoying married life here.

“We spend a lot of time hiking and being on the water, and we’ve also become very involved in pickleball. On a typical weekend night, we usually go out one evening and especially love local theater — we’ve enjoyed shows at Community Theatre League, Millbrook Playhouse, and the State Theatre,” said Sara.

Emily Flake also came to Williamsport as a result of the pandemic. The Brooklyn based author and cartoonist has had her work published in “The New Yorker” and “The New York Times.”

When Flake was researching vacation options in 2020, an ad popped up for the Genetti Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western in Williamsport. Flake booked a hotel stay there with her husband and daughter and was charmed by the city during their vacation.

Eventually, Flake purchased a home to house St. Nell’s Humor Writing Residency in Williamsport. The non-profit serves as a space for writers to retreat to, while working on projects.

“I’d like to expand to a larger residency and in-person classes in the future,” said Flake, who lives here part-time.

When writers from around the United States come to St. Nell’s, they are spending dollars at local restaurants and stores during their residency. In addition, Flake’s family is contributing to the local economy during their extended stays here..

“My daughter loved the summer improv camp at the Community Theater League,” said Flake, who enjoys the farmer’s market and local restaurants.

One Queens couple decided to start their first restaurant in Williamsport. Zena and Max Koen opened Umi Noodles in 2024, which became a successful eatery right after opening.

“We love it here. People are really nice. It’s always quiet and living expenses are way lower,” said Max.

The restaurant now employs ten people and sources ingredients from Williamsport suppliers such as Tony’s Delicatessen and Fresh Meats and Helmrich’s Seafood.

One part-time resident from Manhattan is planning to live in Williamsport full-time. Suzie Winkleman, Sara’s mother, still works in Manhattan and has been commuting there weekly or bi-weekly.

“I’m currently a Group Account Director at Jacques NY, part of Havas — one of the world’s largest communication groups. While my professional base is in New York, I’m proud to also be deeply involved in Williamsport through the Pajama Factory, which, as you know, has become a vibrant hub for arts and culture in the region,” said Suzie, who has owned the Pajama Factory with husband Mark since 2007.

Suzie is now planning to retire in 2026 and has decided to make Williamsport her home because of the quality of life it provides.

“I was amazed by the rich cultural life here — music, theater, great food, events, lectures, and especially the arts. When we started the Pajama Factory, we imagined attracting artists from Philly and NYC, and while that’s happened, what surprised me most is the incredible talent already here in the region. Williamsport is a culturally rich community, and that makes it an exciting place to live and create,” said Suzie.

Will Williamsport continue to attract more New Yorkers? While it is hard to garner a definitive answer, transportation seems to be a barrier to moving to the area.

“People can’t afford to live in New York City and they can at least work here remotely but it is hard to get back to New York City easily,” said Mark.

For now, our new residents are settling in and discovering the benefits of their new city.

“The lack of needing to commute is amazing,” said Alberswerth.

Suzie said succinctly, “It feels like an undiscovered gem. There’s so much happening beyond the great outdoors — arts, culture, community — and it’s incredibly affordable compared to big cities. Visitors to the Pajama Factory often say they love the space and the energy here, and that makes Williamsport even more attractive as a destination. It’s a city with history, creativity, and a bright future.”