New York City’s real estate market is constantly evolving, with renters and buyers shifting their focus beyond Manhattan in search of affordability and new opportunities. Popular areas in Brooklyn and Queens have seen a surge in demand as people who once considered Greenpoint or Park Slope explore alternatives like Sunnyside and Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
But which neighborhoods are drawing the most attention in 2025? A new study from StreetEasy identified the top 10 emerging neighborhoods based on search activity between 2023 and 2024. The analysis focused on areas within the top 30 percent of search volume that also had at least 100 active listings for rent or sale in 2024.
Ridgewood, Queens Remains on Top
For the second year in a row, Ridgewood, Queens, topped the list. Bordering Brooklyn’s trendy Bushwick neighborhood, Ridgewood saw a 13.2 percent rise in home searches. The median rental price climbed to $3,250, while the median home price hit $1.295 million—both reflecting an increase of more than 8 percent from the previous year.
Greenwood Gains Popularity
Greenwood, Brooklyn—often called Greenwood Heights—is another neighborhood on the rise. Searches grew by 9 percent, although home prices dipped slightly by 3.2 percent to $1.5 million. Meanwhile, the median rental price saw a minor decrease of 1.1 percent, settling at $3,250 per month.
Where Else Are New Yorkers Looking?
Brooklyn dominated the list with six neighborhoods, while Queens secured three spots. Only one Manhattan neighborhood made the cut: Morningside Heights. Located north of the Upper West Side, this area experienced a 6 percent increase in search activity. Both median home prices ($1.257 million) and rental rates ($4,000 per month) rose by about 2 percent.
A Mix of Luxury and Affordability
Despite growing interest in more budget-friendly areas, high-end neighborhoods remain competitive. Long Island City ranked third in search growth and had the highest median rental price on the list at $4,148 per month. In contrast, Sunnyside, Queens, offered the most affordable options, with a median home price of $429,000 and a median rent of $2,500.
As New Yorkers continue to adjust their housing preferences, 2025 is proving to be a year of change. Whether searching for a budget-friendly option or a luxury rental, buyers and renters are redefining where they want to call home.
