The Manhattan Comeback: Is Now the Time to Buy?
After the pandemic-era dip, Manhattan is roaring back with a vengeance—and this time, it’s playing a new game.
For years, rising prices and limited inventory made Manhattan feel out of reach. But COVID rewrote the rulebook. Now, remote work, flexible spaces, and urban amenities are reshaping buyer priorities. The result? A more dynamic and competitive Manhattan market than ever before.
In 2025, Midtown condos and FiDi co-ops are trending among first-time buyers and investors alike, while uptown areas like Harlem and Inwood are seeing a renaissance of interest thanks to cultural revitalization and improved transit access.
Prices haven’t yet hit their pre-pandemic peaks—but the window is closing. According to local brokers, bidding wars are back, and inventory is tightening. And while mortgage rates remain unpredictable, the long-term equity potential in Manhattan real estate remains unmatched.
If you’ve been waiting for a “better time,” this might be it. From luxury towers to boutique buildings, Manhattan’s comeback isn’t speculative—it’s strategic.
Why Everyone Wants a Piece of Brooklyn (and You Should Too)
Brooklyn isn’t just a borough anymore—it’s a brand. From DUMBO lofts to Brownstone-lined Park Slope blocks, NYC’s coolest borough continues to set trends in real estate (and real life). But what’s driving the never-ending demand?
Brooklyn has evolved from its industrial roots into a cultural and creative epicenter. The draw? A blend of historic architecture, culinary innovation, walkable neighborhoods, and world-class views—all with a little less hustle than Manhattan. Investors and homebuyers alike are flocking here, not just for lifestyle perks but for serious long-term value.
The median home price in Brooklyn crossed $1 million earlier this year, and yet properties are still flying off the market. Why? Because Brooklyn offers something rare: real estate that appreciates while the vibe stays authentic. Developers are leaning into mixed-use buildings and green design, while buyers are prioritizing walkability and charm.
Insider tip: Keep your eye on neighborhoods like Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Crown Heights—still “under the radar” but gaining traction quickly. The L train shutdown scare may be long over, but its ripple effects made areas like Bushwick and East Williamsburg more resilient—and more attractive to savvy buyers.
Whether you’re buying to live, rent, or flip—Brooklyn remains one of the most strategic investments in NYC real estate. Just bring your best offer… and your best bagel spot recommendation.
Brooklyn Rising: How the Outer Boroughs Are Redefining NYC Real Estate
Manhattan has long been the face of New York City real estate, but in recent years, the boroughs beyond the East River—Brooklyn, Queens, and even the Bronx—have emerged as powerhouses in their own right.
Brooklyn’s Boom
Brooklyn has transformed from an overlooked borough into a global brand. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Fort Greene have seen massive appreciation, attracting tech startups, artists, and investors. Mixed-use developments, converted warehouses, and new residential towers are reshaping the skyline.
The Queens Renaissance
Queens, once known primarily for its diversity and proximity to airports, is now experiencing its own surge—particularly in Long Island City and Astoria. LIC’s luxury rentals and co-working spaces are drawing professionals looking for Manhattan proximity without the Manhattan price tag.
Why Outer Boroughs Matter
Three reasons: space, price, and lifestyle. Many buyers and renters are priced out of Manhattan, but still want walkability, culture, and quality infrastructure. Enter Brooklyn and Queens—with better affordability and increasingly upscale amenities.
Infrastructure Drives Growth
Major transit investments, such as the East Side Access project and ferry expansions, are improving connectivity—making the outer boroughs more attractive than ever.
The Future Is Multi-Centered
NYC is no longer a “Manhattan or bust” market. The outer boroughs are rewriting the rules, and investors who recognize this shift early are already reaping the rewards.
About Avraham Glattman
Avraham Glattman is the owner of First American Properties Group, a real estate business based in New York City, New York.
Avraham brings over 26 years of experience working as a real estate agent in the city, where he continues to work today. He graduated from Newport University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management and remained at the university to attain his Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.). After graduation, he jumped straight into the real estate field in 1992 in the greater New York City area. Throughout his career, Avraham has explored listings across the New York area, keeping a detailed account of the locations, pricing and comparable properties in the housing market.
After gaining a wealth of knowledge about the real estate marketing in New York, Avraham Glattman decided to take it a step further by creating First American Properties Group with his longtime business partner, Pete Jacov in 2008. First American Properties is a real estate and development company that services the five boroughs of New York. The company currently owns residential and commercial properties in Queens, Downtown Brooklyn, Harlem, and Manhattan. The company focuses on monitoring the growth and development in different areas of the city, so they can work to establish more patterns of growth and help revitalize the area.
While monitoring the different areas of New York City, Avraham Glattman consistently keeps an eye out on up-and-coming neighborhoods that he could potentially invest in. For example, after seeing Harlem, Avraham was immediately impressed by the neighborhood’s charm, leading him to invest in properties in the area. With a convenient location next to the subway and charming business like music venues in the area, it was not hard to see what attracted Avraham to the area.
Today, Avraham Glattman continues to find new investments with First American Properties Group, alongside his business partner, Pete Jacov. Together, they are working towards the goals that they set for First American Properties Group. The goals include acquiring property in the Harlem area to renovate and sell, as well as acquiring properties in all five boroughs.
Avraham Glattman is also the proud owner of 1927 Café Bar Popularr. Located in Harlem, the café serves a variety of open-faced Mediterranean sandwiches, called ‘Toastics’, and many types of coffee. Café Bar Popularr is proud of the rich artistic traditions of Harlem, and invites local musicians, authors, and comedians to visit and share their talents with friends.
Avraham was born and raised in Israel, where he went graduated high school. Not long after, he served in the Israeli army for three years, before he was sent to the United States to work with an Israeli newspaper in Brooklyn, NY. Not long after making the move to New York, Avraham met the woman that would become his wife in 1991. Together, they have three children.
In his spare time, Avraham Glattman enjoys spending his time with his wife and three children and loves to explore new parts of New York City. Avraham’s incredible dedication to both his work and family brings him immense happiness and purpose each day.
To learn more about who Avraham Glattman is, visit AvrahamGlattmanNewYork.com.
