A survey conducted by the Long Island Index reveals a mass exodus of the Island's young people could take place within the next five years due to the high cost of living.

About 54 percent of polled residents indicated they are very likely to move off Long Island within the next five years, especially people 18 to 34 years old. Homeowners report increasing difficulty in paying their mortgages. The Long Island Index project director says four years ago 7 percent of respondents said it was extremely difficult to pay their mortgage, compared with 21 percent now. Combine the "extremely difficult" responses with the "very difficult" group, and almost 60 percent of people polled are having trouble making payments.

While an easy or quick solution may not be in the cards, county executives Tom Suozzi, of Nassau, and Steve Levy, of Suffolk, say tax reduction and increased workforce housing are the key to stopping young people from leaving. Related Information Long Island Index