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ew York City's housing landscape is shifting, with the East River no longer a dividing line but a bridge to opportunity. Brooklyn and Queens are poised to outshine Manhattan in 2025 as renters and buyers seek affordability, space, and modern amenities.

    According to StreetEasy's "10 NYC Neighborhoods to Watch" report, six of the top 10 most-searched neighborhoods are in Brooklyn, three in Queens, and just one from Manhattan. Ridgewood, a historic Queens enclave, has claimed the title as NYC's top neighborhood to watch for the second year in a row.

    Ridgewood's popularity surged by 13.2% over the past year, with the median asking rent climbing 8.3% to $3,250 and buyers paying around $1.3 million. The neighborhood offers a mix of culture, community, and affordability, drawing crowds to its indoor-outdoor venue Nowadays and restaurants like Rolo's.

    Greenwood Heights in Brooklyn has vaulted from eighth to second place on the list, becoming a hub for those who crave a laid-back atmosphere without sacrificing access to the city. Search interest in Greenwood jumped 9% from last year, with median rent dipping slightly by 1.1% to $3,250 and home prices dropping 3.2% to $1.5 million.

    Long Island City in Queens offers sleek high-rises, waterfront views, and a fast commute to Midtown Manhattan, making it a top choice for convenience-seekers. Searches in LIC soared 8.5% this year, despite the area's sky-high median rent of $4,148.

    Sunnyside is quietly becoming the borough's most enticing deal, with searches spiking 7.8% this year and a blend of affordability and charm. The median home price here sits at a modest $429,000, while rents hover around $2,500.

    Windsor Terrace in Brooklyn has long been overshadowed by its flashier neighbors but is changing fast, with searches jumping 7.2% in the past year and rents skyrocketing 15.9% to $3,592. Recent zoning changes have brought in new rental buildings with rent-stabilized units, making it a rare win for affordability in Brooklyn.

    Prospect Heights remains a sought-after Brooklyn neighborhood, with a median home price of $1.2 million and a blend of pre-war buildings, modern developments, and historic brownstones. Despite a slight 1% dip in prices last year, median rent is still high at $4,055, but the area offers rich culture and landmarks like Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Museum.