When it comes to investing in New York City real estate, two boroughs often dominate the conversation: Brooklyn and Queens. Both have experienced significant growth over the past two decades, transforming from overlooked areas into hotbeds of residential and commercial development. Yet, for an investor, the choice between Brooklyn and Queens isn’t just about reputation—it’s about balancing rental demand, property costs, and long-term appreciation potential. Let’s break down the pros and cons of investing in each borough to help you determine which might be the smarter move for your portfolio.

Rental Demand

Brooklyn:

Brooklyn remains one of the most desirable places to live in NYC, attracting a mix of young professionals, families, and creatives. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope command premium rents thanks to their proximity to Manhattan and vibrant cultural scenes. Even less central neighborhoods like Bushwick and Crown Heights have seen steady rental demand, as tenants are priced out of Manhattan but still desire easy access to the city. The challenge? High competition among landlords. With so many rental properties available, tenants have options, which means investors must keep their units modern and appealing.

Queens:

Queens has been steadily gaining momentum, especially in areas such as Long Island City, Astoria, and Jackson Heights. While traditionally considered more affordable, parts of Queens now rival Brooklyn in desirability. Long Island City, in particular, has become a hub for luxury rentals, with sleek high-rises and quick access to Midtown Manhattan. Queens’ rental demand is fueled by its diversity and relative affordability compared to Brooklyn. The borough also appeals to families looking for larger spaces without the sky-high rents of Brooklyn brownstones.

Takeaway: Brooklyn may win in terms of sheer demand and brand recognition, but Queens is catching up quickly—especially for renters who prioritize space and value.

Property Costs

Brooklyn:

Investing in Brooklyn is not for the faint of heart. Property prices in prime neighborhoods are among the highest in the city. Recent trends show the median sales price in Brooklyn hovering well above $900,000, with many properties in coveted neighborhoods selling for much more. Investors must weigh the high upfront costs against the potential for strong rental income. The barrier to entry is steep, which can make Brooklyn investments less accessible to first-time landlords or smaller investors.

Queens:

Queens generally offers lower entry costs compared to Brooklyn, making it a more approachable market for new investors. The median sales price in Queens sits significantly lower, often in the $650,000 to $750,000 range, depending on the neighborhood. This lower cost of acquisition allows investors to diversify their holdings or put more money into renovations and upgrades to attract tenants. That said, areas like Long Island City and Astoria are exceptions, where prices have risen sharply and can rival Brooklyn hot spots.

Takeaway: If the cost of entry is a primary concern, Queens has the edge. But if you can afford Brooklyn, the rental income may offset the higher purchase price.

Property Appreciation Trends

Brooklyn:

Over the past two decades, Brooklyn has been a poster child for property appreciation. Once-industrial neighborhoods have transformed into cultural and commercial hubs, leading to massive increases in property values. While appreciation has slowed somewhat in recent years due to already-high pricing, Brooklyn remains a strong bet for long-term investors. The borough’s global reputation ensures continued interest from both domestic and international buyers, keeping values relatively resilient even during market dips.

Queens:

Queens has historically lagged behind Brooklyn in appreciation, but that gap has been closing. With the city’s ongoing push for development outside Manhattan, Queens neighborhoods—particularly Long Island City—have seen double-digit growth over the past decade. As more people seek affordable alternatives to Brooklyn, Queens properties are poised for steady appreciation. Investors who buy now in up-and-coming areas like Ridgewood or Flushing may benefit significantly as demand continues to rise.

Takeaway: Brooklyn offers proven appreciation history, but Queens may have more upside potential for investors willing to take a longer-term view.

Final Verdict: Brooklyn or Queens?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between Brooklyn and Queens for your investment property.

  • Choose Brooklyn if: You want proven rental demand, strong brand recognition, and the security of long-term appreciation—even if it comes with higher upfront costs. 
  • Choose Queens if: You’re looking for lower entry costs, rising rental demand, and potentially higher appreciation opportunities in emerging neighborhoods. 

For many investors, the smartest strategy may be diversification—holding properties in both boroughs to balance the stability of Brooklyn with the growth potential of Queens.

In New York City real estate, timing and location are everything. Whether you lean toward Brooklyn’s established appeal or Queens’ rising star, both boroughs offer promising opportunities for those ready to invest wisely.