Gun violence in New York City has steadily declined in recent years, but disparities remain—both in the lived experience of crime and in the public’s perception of safety. While many studies have explored the social determinants of violence, this research takes a broader approach by examining how social and environmental factors interact to shape neighborhood outcomes. A central focus of this analysis is New York State’s “Disadvantage Score,” a composite measure designed to capture the cumulative environmental, health, and socioeconomic burdens experienced by communities.

This analysis utilizes data from the NYC Motor Vehicle Collisions dataset, which contains detailed records of traffic accidents reported by the NYPD since 2012.

These visualizations were created to help understand the relationship between disadvantaged neighborhoods and gun violence in NYC. My project is being presented at the 2025 ESS Conference. I have a PowerPoint that goes with these visualizations along with a research paper explaining the connection between heightened gun violence and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The idea that Florida is a cheaper, more appealing alternative to New York has become almost cliché, especially for retirees. Every year, thousands of New Yorkers head south, drawn by Florida’s warm weather, lack of a state income tax, and reputation as a haven for seniors. Yet, beneath the surface of this migration trend lies a surprising truth: New York often outperforms Florida in key measures of affordability, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. Popular belief paints Florida as a low-cost paradise, but data reveals that the financial benefits of relocating may not be as substantial as assumed. For example, while Florida boasts no state income tax, its average housing costs have surged in recent years, even surpassing New York’s in certain metrics. Additionally, retirees often face challenges in Florida that are seldom discussed—such as limited access to public transportation, overburdened healthcare systems, and exposure to extreme weather events like hurricanes. These factors can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for seniors seeking stability and accessibility. New York, on the other hand, offers distinct advantages often overshadowed by its reputation for high taxes and expensive living. The state’s robust public transportation infrastructure provides unparalleled mobility for seniors, while its world-class healthcare facilities ensure access to cutting-edge medical services. Moreover, New York’s senior-focused programs and diverse cultural opportunities foster a sense of community and engagement that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. For retirees, these benefits often outweigh the perceived drawbacks, especially when considering the state’s higher household incomes and relatively lower rent burdens. This analysis is grounded in data from the 2023 American Community Survey, which offers a comprehensive view of migration patterns, household income, housing affordability, and quality-of-life metrics. By leveraging this dataset, we explore the economic realities, lifestyle benefits, and practical challenges of living in New York versus Florida. In doing so, we hope to challenge assumptions and provide a more balanced perspective on why New York may not only compete with Florida as a retirement destination but, in many ways, surpass it as the ideal place for seniors to spend their golden years.