Gauging the temperature of New York’s real estate scene is a fickle affair. News-making neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and Tribeca, Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights take center stage, only to give way to evolving neighborhoods a few blocks away or across the river. In this March Newsletter, I’m happy to spotlight rising hotspots in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Of course, while buzz-making nabes can offer vibrant living environments and investment potential – where trendy glam frequently mingles with industrial grit – many of my clients will always be happiest in the tried & true worlds of the Upper West and East Sides, the West Village, Park Slope and Chelsea. 

As you’re nestled under your down comforter, consider warming up to these new areas: 

West Soho 

Head west from the enticements of Chanel, Prada and Balthazar – cross over Sixth Ave. – and you’ll soon find yourself in the former Printing District of Manhattan, now known as Hudson Square. Dazzling new headquarters of Disney, Google and Facebook are all about to open, and that’s opening the doors to luxurious new condos, revamped loft spaces and young techies and designers ready to spend top dollar. There’s a time-honored side to West Soho as well, with the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District featuring the largest concentration of Federalist and Greek Revival row houses from the early 1800s. Here’s a vibrant mix of old and new, steps from the Hudson River Waterfront Greenway.

Gowanus 

Industrial at its core, the area surrounding Brooklyn’s infamous 

Gowanus Canal (a whole lot cleaner, but hardly a swimming hole) offers tree-lined streets of multi-unit homes, renovated townhouses and chic new condos attracting young families and a creative stylish crowd. Artisan breweries, fabulous BBQ and some of the best ice cream anywhere add a neighborly residential feel that softens the factory edge. Prices here are loftier than many Brooklyn neighborhoods. Just 30 minutes to Manhattan on the N or D train from Union Street.

Greenpoint 

Residents who call this area home love Greenpoint’s laid-back vibe. Family-owned shops and Polish markets from years back are still there, sharing the turf with trendy new restaurants, craft breweries and boutiques. The housing stock here is a unique mix. Former factories (like the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company) are now luxe condos. Nineteenth century row houses along Kent and Lorimer streets are highlights of the Historic District. And it’s hard to miss Greenpoint’s waterfront high-rises. Nearby McCarren Park is a verdant escape for every Greenpointer. 

Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights has it all. There’s its ultimate “front yard” -- the 585 acres of Prospect Park. Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum fascinate year- round. And Barclays Center is the ticket to sports and entertainment adrenaline. But here’s the real draw: the rich diversity of Prospect Heights – its gracious brownstones lining tree-shaded streets, its deep-rooted sense of community, its quiet serenity spiced with sleek wine bars and eclectic shopping. And you can’t beat the numerous subway connections to Manhattan.

Nestled between Cobble Hill and Red Hook, the Columbia Waterfront District is one of the smallest neighborhoods in the borough with just 22 blocks. It’s a close-knit enclave with the charm of seven community gardens, a global menu of restaurants, bookstore gatherings and artist studios. You’ll find beautifully renovated factory residences, multi-unit row houses and a generous array of new-build condos. You’ll know if it’s right for you!

The neighborhoods of New York are shaped by history, progress, creativity and a love of life.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our faraway “neighbors” in the Ukraine, who are experiencing so much hardship and destruction. It makes us cherish all the more the importance and comfort of home.