While New York City’s busy rental season is still months away, there are numerous renters looking for apartments at this time of year. Those brave enough to weather a winter move may find cheaper leases compared to the summer season. However, they will also have fewer options to choose from. Therefore, those looking to make a move may need to be flexible in terms of their search criteria and consider other neighborhoods to find units that fit their needs. Luckily, there are plenty of appealing Ridgewood apartments available at this time of year.
Where is Ridgewood?
Ridgewood is one of the southern neighborhoods in Queens that borders popular Brooklyn neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg. In Queens, Ridgewood also borders Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale. Ridgewood, Queens, differs from Ridgewood Village, which is a town in New Jersey.
Ridgewood renters will need to use the M train to get to their neighborhood. Those who commute or frequently travel into Manhattan can expect to spend 45 minutes getting to the Financial District or an hour to Midtown. While the commute could be tedious for those who work in Midtown, it is an appealing option for those who come into the city under three times a week.
Ridgewood Makeup
Younger renters may enjoy renting in Ridgewood due to the younger population. The median age in the neighborhood is 35, and the majority of residents are single. Those looking to mingle, build a community, and find their peers may enjoy living in this area. Ridgewood is an appealing neighborhood for those starting a family, moving their existing family to a larger apartment, or for those who commute into Manhattan on a hybrid working schedule.
How to Afford a Ridgewood Apartment
Prospective Ridgewood renters will need to abide by the same standards as they expect for other New York City moves. Most landlords in the neighborhood look for tenants with an income that is 40x the yearly rent and a credit score above 650. Those who do not meet these requirements can use a guarantor, who will need an income of 80x the rent and a credit score above 700.
Learn More: How Much Rent Can I Afford?
Many Ridgewood apartments reside in smaller buildings than Manhattan buildings, which can reach skyscraping heights and offer luxury amenities. While several buildings in Ridgewood now offer luxury amenities, many are pre-war buildings in walkups. Renters have plenty of options when deciding if they want to live in a modern, new construction building or an older pre-war unit.
Average Rent in Ridgewood
New York City has an average rent of $4,250 during the early months of 2025. However, Ridgewood renters can breathe a sigh of relief as the neighborhood offers lower monthly rents. As a borough, Queens offers a lower average rent of $3,260, almost $1,000 below the city average. Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn contribute to the city’s high average.
The average rent in Ridgewood runs a bit higher than the average throughout Queens, at $3,500. Renters can expect to spend the following, based on their respective bedroom size:
- One-bedroom: $2,725
- Two-bedroom: $3,300
- Three-bedroom: $3,800
- Four-bedroom: $4,450
Studio apartments are less common in the neighborhood, so single renters should expect to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Ridgewood.
Ridgewood Apartments for Rent
During the winter, renters still have plenty of opportunities to find Ridgewood apartments for rent. When looking for a Ridgewood apartment, renters should gather their application materials before scheduling a tour. There are always people looking for available units, even during the slower time of year. Those looking to rent this month can consider the following opportunities:
Myrtle Avenue
65-3 Fresh Pond Road #2
61-44 Gates Avenue #1
1719 Gates Avenue #3L
Conclusion
Ridgewood is a residential neighborhood in Queens that offers plenty of renting opportunities. Those looking to evade Manhattan and Brooklyn prices can rent in Ridgewood but should also prepare for a slightly longer commute. This neighborhood includes a generous blend of modern buildings and older pre-war style units, making it ideal for either preference. There are even numerous Ridgewood apartments available for renters during the slower season, so those looking to move this winter can move to the neighborhood.