NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – For the second year in a row, Ridgewood, Queens, has earned the top spot on StreetEasy’s list of Neighborhoods to Watch in 2025.
“It’s neighborhood-y. It’s safe. There’s parks. It’s quiet,” Brian Becker, a 12-year resident of Ridgewood, said. Having moved to Ridgewood right after college, Becker remembers how affordability first drew him in: “Still pretty affordable, but back then it was, it was really affordable.”
The neighborhood’s proximity to Bushwick, a hub for nightlife and creative energy, has earned Ridgewood a reputation as a place for those seeking a quieter pace. As one Reddit user put it, “Bushwick is for partying, Ridgewood is for living.”
Ridgewood’s median asking rent of $3,250 in 2024 may not be a substantial bargain compared to Bushwick’s $3,327, but it offers a more residential feel and a sense of retreat from the city’s hustle.
Over the past year, searches for Ridgewood on StreetEasy have surged by 13.2%, reflecting growing interest from renters and buyers. The median asking price for homes in Ridgewood has also seen an 8.4% increase, reaching $1.3 million in 2024 — the highest annual jump on the list.
Becker also noticed the changes firsthand, with new bakeries, cafes, and bars cropping up throughout the area. Public transit also adds to the neighborhood’s appeal, making it relatively easy to get into Manhattan. However, residents worry that Ridgewood’s growing popularity could lead to higher living costs.
“A lot of people are moving here, you know, but I don’t want everybody to move here because then the rent gets too expensive,” Becker said.
Other neighborhoods rounding out StreetEasy’s top five include Greenwood, Brooklyn; Long Island City, Queens; Sunnyside, Queens; and Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn.