It's not a realistic option for many living paycheck to paycheck. Hunting for a job in other cities is potentially expensive when in person interviews are required - most employers will not pay travel costs (let alone relocation expenses), and there's the opportunity cost of hours not worked at a current job. Many employers engage in resume discrimination where resumes with anything but local phone numbers or addresses get thrown out. Even if you do land a gig elsewhere, the costs of locating a new place to live, of moving, of potentially breaking a lease...are all above what many in the working class can reasonably afford. And all of the above becomes more complicated if partners and/or children are involved.
Also, people don't exist in a vaccuum. Many are grounded in certain places because of familial obligations. Others - particularly recent immigrants in places like NYC - are tied to a local ethnic or expatriate community that they rely on for social and emotional support.
Also, people don't exist in a vaccuum. Many are grounded in certain places because of familial obligations. Others - particularly recent immigrants in places like NYC - are tied to a local ethnic or expatriate community that they rely on for social and emotional support.