Queens bucks the trend: New apartments grow bigger despite NYC’s space crunch

Queens has defied national trends by increasing the size of its new apartments over the past decade, according to a recent analysis by RentCafe. The typical new apartment in Queens now measures 732 square feet, marking a 16-square-foot increase from a decade ago. This growth positions Queens as the only New York City borough where new apartment sizes have expanded, placing it fifth nationally for the largest gains in apartment size during the period. Despite this growth, Queens remains among the smaller apartment markets in the United States. The shift in Queens contrasts sharply with developments in other parts of New York City. In Brooklyn, the average apartment size has decreased slightly, measuring 714 square feet, six square feet smaller than a decade ago. Manhattan follows closely, with apartments averaging 735 square feet, showing minimal change since 2016. These trends mirror broader patterns in high-demand urban areas, where developers tend to favor smaller units such as studios and one-bedroom apartments. This preference allows for greater density within buildings, catering to the growing number of single-person and small household residents. According to RentCafe research analyst Veronica Grecu, the decline in average apartment size in some cities does not always equate to reduced value for renters. Developers in densely populated markets often prioritize smaller units to address supply constraints and align with shifting demographic preferences. “The trade-off is a lower average square footage, but the upside is more availability in markets where inventory has historically been tight,” Grecu explained. This strategy reflects a balance between meeting demand and optimizing building efficiency. Meanwhile, the national picture shows a general upward trend in apartment sizes. The average U.S. apartment now measures 910 square feet, following increases across all apartment types in 2025, as noted in the RentCafe analysis. Queens’ typical new apartment, at 732 square feet, remains significantly smaller than the national average, which is more than 175 square feet larger. The largest new apartments in the country are found in Tallahassee, Florida, where the average size reaches 1,156 square feet. Yet, for Queens residents, the 16-square-foot increase over the past decade marks a unique exception to the national trend. This divergence in apartment size trends highlights the varying priorities and challenges faced by different regions. While Queens appears to be accommodating a growing population and evolving housing demands through larger units, other areas continue to grapple with limited inventory and rising costs. The data underscores how local factors, including economic conditions, zoning laws, and developer strategies, shape the real estate landscape in distinct ways. Looking ahead, the continued evolution of apartment sizes in Queens could influence future housing policies and market dynamics. As the borough maintains its trajectory of expanding unit sizes, it may attract more residents seeking spacious living options in a city known for its compact urban footprint. Meanwhile, other parts of New York City will likely continue to focus on maximizing density and affordability, reflecting the complex interplay between supply, demand, and urban planning. The ongoing changes in apartment sizes serve as a microcosm of broader shifts in residential real estate across the nation.