Concrete Jungle, Million-Dollar Dreams: Why NYC Real Estate Still Reigns Supreme
In a world where remote work has changed how we live and where we live, you might think NYC real estate has lost its luster. Think again.
New York City continues to be one of the most dynamic, resilient real estate markets in the world. Even after the pandemic-induced shake-up, the city’s real estate sector is not just surviving—it’s evolving. And for investors, renters, and homebuyers, that evolution presents new opportunities.
The Comeback Is Real
NYC’s residential market saw a dip in early 2020, but by late 2021, demand surged. Now in 2025, we’re witnessing a healthy blend of stability and movement—ideal for those ready to make bold but smart decisions. Manhattan’s luxury market is heating up again, Brooklyn remains a cultural and creative hotspot, and Queens is rising as a family-friendly haven with solid appreciation potential.
Remote Work’s Real Impact
Remote work hasn’t killed the NYC dream. It’s simply reshaped it. People want more space, yes—but they also crave proximity to the city’s unparalleled amenities, culture, and career opportunities. Neighborhoods like Astoria, Long Island City, and even parts of the Bronx are experiencing a boom as residents seek balance: space without sacrificing lifestyle.
Investors Are Betting Big
Institutional investors and international buyers are once again bullish on NYC. Why? Because New York real estate has long proven its strength as a long-term investment. In a global context, it’s still one of the safest and most prestigious markets to park your money.
Sustainability & Smart Living
Another trend gaining momentum: green buildings and smart home integrations. From solar panels to energy-efficient HVAC systems, the NYC market is getting a sustainable facelift. Developers who prioritize these elements are seeing faster sales and higher retention.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or city dweller looking for your next move—NYC still offers unmatched opportunity. The skyline might change, but its real estate heartbeat never stops.
From Brownstones to Billionaires: How NYC’s Neighborhoods Shape Wealth
New York City’s real estate isn’t just about location—it’s about legacy. From historic brownstones in Brooklyn to soaring glass towers in Midtown, the city’s neighborhoods have long been a reflection of wealth, social status, and economic evolution.
The Rise of the Brownstone Elite
Once considered working-class housing, brownstones in Brooklyn and Harlem have undergone a dramatic transformation. In the early 2000s, a wave of young professionals and investors began snatching up these properties, turning once-overlooked neighborhoods into some of the city’s most desirable enclaves.
Park Slope, Fort Greene, and Bedford-Stuyvesant have seen real estate prices soar as buyers recognize the charm and spaciousness these historic homes offer—something rare in Manhattan’s high-rises. But with gentrification comes displacement, raising concerns about affordability and cultural preservation.
The Power of the Penthouse
While brownstones tell a story of old New York, glass-clad skyscrapers represent the city’s modern-day billionaires. The emergence of ‘Billionaires’ Row’ along 57th Street has redefined luxury living, offering panoramic views and ultra-exclusive amenities at sky-high prices.
These high-rise residences attract global investors looking for both status and security. However, the concentration of wealth in these properties has sparked debates over income inequality and the city’s housing policies.
The Neighborhood Wealth Effect
Where you buy in NYC can significantly impact your long-term wealth. Areas like Tribeca, the West Village, and the Upper West Side have consistently appreciated over the years, making them smart investments for those looking to grow their assets. Meanwhile, emerging neighborhoods like Long Island City and the South Bronx offer opportunities for those willing to bet on future development.
As NYC continues to evolve, its neighborhoods remain at the heart of its real estate story—bridging the past, present, and future of urban wealth.
NYC real estate is a fascinating world where history, wealth, and power collide. Whether you’re eyeing a brownstone with character or a penthouse in the sky, the city’s properties hold stories waiting to be told.
Skyscrapers & Scandals: The Untold Stories Behind NYC’s Priciest Penthouses
New York City’s skyline is not just a collection of buildings—it’s a battleground for the world’s wealthiest individuals, each vying for a piece of the city’s most exclusive real estate. Behind the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of these multi-million-dollar penthouses lie stories of ambition, scandal, and sometimes, downright mystery.
The Billionaire’s Playground
NYC’s luxury penthouses are more than just homes; they are status symbols. From Central Park South’s ‘Billionaires’ Row’ to the Upper East Side’s historic pre-war co-ops, the city’s high-end real estate market has attracted an elite class of buyers, including tech moguls, Hollywood A-listers, and foreign royalty.
One of the most talked-about sales was the $238 million purchase of a penthouse at 220 Central Park South by hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, setting a record for the most expensive home ever sold in the U.S. However, not every high-profile deal is smooth sailing—many have been entangled in legal battles, hidden ownerships, and high-stakes negotiations.
Scandals Behind the Skyline
Luxury real estate in NYC is often cloaked in secrecy. Shell companies and offshore accounts are commonly used to obscure the identities of buyers, raising concerns about money laundering and illicit financial dealings. Some penthouses have even remained vacant for years, serving as mere assets rather than actual residences.
One infamous case involved the Time Warner Center, where investigative reports revealed that several apartments were owned by individuals linked to international corruption scandals. The city has since cracked down on such practices, but the game of cat and mouse continues.
The Future of NYC’s Luxury Market
Despite economic fluctuations, NYC’s high-end real estate market remains resilient. Developers continue to push the limits with jaw-dropping amenities—think private IMAX theaters, indoor pools, and even helicopter pads.
But will the demand for these sky-high residences persist? With increasing scrutiny on foreign investments and shifting economic conditions, the future of NYC’s luxury penthouses remains as intriguing as their past.
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.
