Sweeten’s Renovating Neighborhoods to Watch in 2020

Sweeten’s annual report reveals the top renovating neighborhoods for New York City and beyond

Sweeten, a free service that matches renovators with general contractors, services thousands of home renovations across the greater New York City area, New Jersey, and counties in Philadelphia, Connecticut, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. Based on the renovation projects we see through our own platform, we compiled a report showing the top renovating neighborhoods from 2019 to watch in 2020. Are you doing home purchasing or home renovation research this year? This report is a great place to start your search!

Top Renovating Neighborhoods in New York City

The home renovation rate in Williamsburg, Brooklyn doubled for the year, while Flushing and Astoria were renovation hotspots in Queens. The Upper East and West sides continue to be the most frequently renovated neighborhoods in Manhattan, with surges in Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights. Riverdale maintained first place in the Bronx.

(Above) Jenn + Jon’s Upper East Side full home renovation

Top Renovating Neighborhoods in Long Island & Westchester

On Long Island, Suffolk County experienced a wave of new renovations in Bellport, Riverhead, and Yaphank. In Nassau County, Port Washington, Manhasset and Long Beach renovations grew exponentially. In Westchester, Irvington, Ossining, and Tarrytown lead the county in renovations.

(Above left) Jennifer + Alex’s Hamptons kitchen remodel in East Hampton; (Above right) Sara + Mike’s multi-room renovation in Westchester

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Top Renovating Neighborhoods in Philly, New Jersey, and Connecticut

In New Jersey, Essex, and Hudson Counties had largest increases in renovations. In Essex County, Montclair, East Orange, and Newark saw large increases, with Montclair in the #1 spot. For Hudson County, Jersey City, Hoboken, and North Bergen topped the list. Jersey City continued to hold its first-place lead while also doubling its rate of renovations for the year.

(Above) Cristiana’s basement & laundry room renovation in New Jersey

Philadelphia increased in year-over-year renovations, with Queen Village and Bella Vista as the most-renovated region in Philadelphia County, followed by Brewerytown, North Central, East Passyunk, Whitman, and Lower Moyamensing areas.  Philadelphia County had the highest renovation growth, Montgomery County had the second-highest; especially in Glenside, Willow Grove, and Narberth.

Connecticut saw a 20% increase in renovations, with Stamford leading the way in Fairfield County, followed by New Canaan.

(Above left) A Sweeten kitchen renovation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; (Above right) A Sweeten full home renovation in Stamford, Connecticut

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of Sweeten’s renovation hotspots! If someone you know is doing home purchasing research in 2020, share this report with them for state-by-state renovation trends.

For more information on renovation costs, check out Sweeten’s renovation cost guides for each of these areas (plus a few new states Sweeten is matching homeowners with contractors!)

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*Analysis based on a comparison of Sweeten’s posted projects, 2018 vs. 2019.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.