- Brooklyn added nearly 36,000 apartment units from 2014 to 2024—the highest of any US submarket—while Jersey City and Queens also ranked in the national top five.
- Renters continue to seek value in commuter submarkets, where rents are up to $1,500–$3,600 less per month than in Manhattan.
- Flexible work trends post-pandemic have accelerated demand for housing outside Manhattan, fueling massive apartment construction in nearby boroughs and cities.
According to the RealPage, New York City’s commuter neighborhoods have become national leaders in apartment development. Over the past decade, commuter submarkets just outside Manhattan—Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City—have delivered tens of thousands of new rental units. The surge reflects affordability pressures and changing commuter habits driven by remote work.
Development Shift
From 2014 to 2024, developers added about 3.5M apartment units across the US That growth increased national rental supply by 21%, according to RealPage Market Analytics. Among nearly 1,000 US submarkets, the commuter submarket of Brooklyn delivered the most with 35,890 new units. Jersey City followed with 27,800, while Queens added nearly 23,000.
Manhattan Moves Outward
New York City ranked sixth in apartment completions over the past decade. It trailed cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. However, one-third of New York’s new apartments were built in commuter submarkets like Brooklyn, and 21% were in Queens.
The Rent Gap
Rents in these submarkets remain significantly lower than in Manhattan. In February, Brooklyn’s average rent was $4,710—about $470 less than the cheapest neighborhood in Manhattan. Queens and Jersey City averaged $3,700, offering a savings of at least $1,500. In the commuter submarket of Center City Philadelphia, renters save up to $3,600 compared to Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Commuter Convenience
Brooklyn and Queens are just eight miles from Manhattan. Commutes take about 45 minutes by train. Jersey City, across the Hudson, can be even faster via the PATH train. These commuter submarkets offer practical alternatives for hybrid workers who don’t need to be in Manhattan every day.
Why It Matters
Development in commuter zones shows how the rental market is evolving. Developers are building in areas with strong demand and better affordability. At the same time, renters are willing to trade proximity for price and space.
What’s Next
These commuter submarkets will likely see continued growth. With more than 1.4M people commuting into Manhattan, demand for nearby, cost-effective housing will remain strong.
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