For the second year in a row, this Queens district is the top NYC neighborhood to watch

New York City’s housing landscape is shifting — and the East River is no longer a dividing line, but a bridge to opportunity.As renters and buyers alike continue to seek affordability, space and modern amenities, Brooklyn and Queens are primed to outshine Manhattan in 2025.From the historic rowhouses of Ridgewood to the sleek waterfront towers of Long Island City, outer-borough neighborhoods are stepping into the spotlight, drawing crowds with a compelling mix of culture, community and comparatively lower price tags.That’s according to the latest data from StreetEasy — specifically, its always anticipated “10 NYC Neighborhoods to Watch” report — which reveals that Brooklyn and Queens are leading the charge in NYC’s evolving housing market.Six of the top 10 most-searched neighborhoods are in Brooklyn, three in Queens, and just one from Manhattan.With demand surging for homes that offer both charm and modern comforts, these neighborhoods are poised for major growth.

For the second year in a row, Ridgewood has claimed the title as NYC’s top nabe to keep an eye on.What was once a quiet Queens enclave has become a magnet for renters and buyers looking for a reprieve from neighboring Bushwick’s party scene.StreetEasy searches for Ridgewood surged by 13.2% over the past year, while the median asking rent climbed 8.3% to $3,250 — only a hair below Bushwick’s $3,327.Buyers aren’t far behind, with the median asking price rising 8.4% to around $1.3 million.Locals and visitors alike flock to Nowadays, the indoor-outdoor venue famous for its daytime dance parties, cocktail, and laid-back food truck fare.Foodies whisper about Rolo’s, where actor Jeremy Allen White of “The Bear” fame raves about their green lasagna verde and wood-fired polenta pizza.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s Greenwood, also known as Greenwood Heights, has vaulted from eighth to second place on the list of neighborhoods to watch.Nestled between Park Slope and Sunset Park, this pocke...