Yes, my friend left more than 20 years ago.
Both of my examples were from the 1980s. Prosperous folks, but not wealthy. IIRC, the pharmacist and his wife actually had to build their boat slowly over time because he lost his business and she was a government biologist on a small salary.
Kudos to anyone who saw it coming and was able to get out with some assets.
My friend whose mother stayed finally was able to get enough together to visit back in 1999 or so. Very expensive, since they wanted her to meet her grandchildren. The mother requested things like pantyhose and yogurt covered raisins. Most goods were available from Eastern Europe, again, IIRC. Poor quality stuff.