H
omes in Ridgewood, Queens – 2025 snapshot

    Ridgewood’s housing market in 2025 shows clear upward pressure on rents, even though the neighborhood has fewer affordable‑housing lotteries and building permits than many other Queens areas. According to M.N.S. Real Estate, the average rent for all units climbed 7.72 % year‑over‑year, rising from $2,741 in September 2024 to $2,952 in September 2025.

    **Studio units** saw the most dramatic jump. Prices moved from $2,236 in September 2024 to $2,599 in September 2025, a sharp increase from the $2,282 average in January. The peak for studios this year was April at $2,662, while February’s average dipped to $2,213.

    **One‑bedroom apartments** followed a similar pattern. Rents increased from $2,773 in September 2024 to $2,857 in September 2025. January’s average was $2,703, and March’s was $2,697—both lower than the September figure. June recorded the highest one‑bedroom rent at $2,947.

    **Two‑bedroom units** mirrored the trend. The average rose from $3,213 in September 2024 to $3,400 in September 2025. February’s average was the lowest at $3,111, while June again topped the chart at $3,443.

    Search activity for homes on StreetEasy spiked the most among all NYC neighborhoods. From the end of 2023 to the end of 2024, Ridgewood’s house‑search volume jumped 13.2 %, outpacing Brooklyn’s Greenwood (9 %). The median asking rent for homes climbed 8.3 % from $3,001 in 2023 to $3,250 in 2024, and the median asking price rose 8.4 % from $1.195 million to $1.295 million over the same period.

    **Unsafe building alert – 614 Woodward Ave.**

    The 614 Woodward Ave. building, long vacant, entered the New York City Department of Buildings’ Unsafe Buildings Program in spring 2025 after years of violations and community complaints. The property has accrued more than 100 infractions: 40 from the DOB and 67 from the Environmental Control Board. It has become a dumping ground for trash and debris, raising concerns about rodent infestations, structural hazards, and pedestrian safety. The DOB estimates unpaid fines exceed $529,875.

    Council members Robert Holden and Jennifer Gutiérrez spearheaded the push for action. In February, they jointly sent a letter to the DOB and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development demanding immediate remediation. “We’re grateful for the DOB’s swift response and for officially adding 614 Woodward Ave. to the Unsafe Buildings Program,” Gutiérrez said. “This is a crucial step toward protecting our community’s health and safety.”

    **New businesses enliven the neighborhood**

    Despite limited new housing developments in 2025, Ridgewood welcomed a wave of fresh dining and retail options:

    - **Hi‑Node** – a Japanese café and restaurant that opened its doors in late August.

    - **Il Gigante** – an Italian eatery featuring handmade pasta, launched at the start of the year.

    - **Sieve Café** – a matcha‑and‑coffee spot that opened in August in the historic district.

    - **Wonder** – a virtual food hall that opened a new location at 56‑16 Myrtle Ave., taking over the former Rainbow store.

    - **City Fresh Market** – a supermarket chain that opened a new store at 583 Grandview Ave.

    - **Queen of Swords** – a hair salon that celebrated its grand opening at 875 Woodward Ave.

    These openings reflect Ridgewood’s growing appeal as a culinary and retail hub, complementing its evolving residential market.