With COVID-19 restrictions and a shifting real estate market, 2020 presented New York renters with one of the most challenging years in history. Fast-moving market dynamics included high inventory and significant price adjustments. We sifted through the most loved listings of the past year to find the apartments “saved” by the most StreetEasy shoppers. Let’s take a look back at the most popular NYC rentals of 2020 — before we (happily) move on to 2021!

Price $3,400
Space 3 beds, 2 baths
Neighborhood Park Slope
Borough Brooklyn

Saves: 1,035


Apartment seekers jumped all over this amazing deal in Park Slope. The 3-bedroom/2-bathroom duplex with dishwasher and in-unit washer/dryer was a total steal. The net-effective rate went down to $2,833 per month after a 2-month concession on a 12-month lease. It’s part of the attractive Dean Street rental complex — a prewar pair of pet-friendly buildings close to several transportation hubs on Fifth and Flatbush avenues. It boasts great space upstairs and down, with a full bath on each floor and an open kitchen swimming in new finishes. Good taste, everyone! Akelius Real Estate Management was the leasing firm.

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Price $8,750
Space 7 beds, 3 baths
Neighborhood Bushwick
Borough Brooklyn

Saves: 1,110


Bushwick has become such a desirable Brooklyn outpost that it’s giving Williamsburg a run for its money. This luxuriously remodeled multi-family townhouse is proof. Decked in new hardwoods, the unit boasts granite counters, marble-tile bathrooms, in-unit laundry, and more. There’s also a yard, a finished basement, and a hot location on Halsey Street. No wonder this head-turner was one of the most popular NYC rentals of 2020.

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Brooklyn Rentals Under $3K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Price $1,360
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood Central Harlem
Borough Manhattan

Saves: 1,126


The spanking new interior of this sunny Central Harlem home intrigued more than 1,100 StreetEasy shoppers seeking a great Manhattan deal. Condo-like finishes include blond-wood floors, granite countertops and breakfast bar, and a new bathroom with walk-in shower. It’s set in an elevator building close to the 2 and 3 subway lines. Sharone Baradarian at Sohayegh Enterprises was the listing agent.

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Price $2,400
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood Yorkville
Borough Manhattan

Saves: 1,249


With tree-lined streets and lots of shops and restaurants, Yorkville remains a pleasant residential enclave. And this remodeled 1-bedroom proved a popular perch, racking up more than 1,200 saves. New floors, recessed lighting, a washer/dryer, and a Carrera marble kitchen are just some of the reasons why. It’s one of 20 units in a walkup building that has been upgraded throughout, with a convenient location close to the Q train. Joseph Cvek was the listing broker.

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Price $3,025
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood West Village
Borough Manhattan

Saves: 1,437


A picture is worth a thousand words, and the listing photo of this West Village duplex’s rear garden screams “rent me!” Now more than ever, private outdoor space is a premium amenity. Dining in the fresh air is about as good as it gets these days. Some prewar detail adds charm upstairs, as well as a remodeled kitchen with dishwasher. The lower level boasts a washer/dryer, a rec room, and a remodeled full bath. Shiri Rahamim at Highline Residential was the listing agent.

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Manhattan Rentals Under $3K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Price $1,395
Space Studio, 1 bath
Neighborhood SoHo
Borough Manhattan

Saves: 1,901


Here’s the only studio on our list of most popular NYC rentals for 2020, and interestingly, it also racked up the most saves at 1,901. It’s location, location, location that puts this SoHo spot at the top of the heap. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it also has three big windows, a decorative fireplace, and a separate kitchen with dishwasher. Plus, the Sullivan Mews complex offers a courtyard and bike storage. The space was initially listed at $2,150 back in October, but it underwent a series of reductions before being snapped up at the bargain price of $1,395.

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Price $1,450
Space 1 bed, 1 bath
Neighborhood Pelham Parkway
Borough Bronx

Saves: 1,258


Shout-out to the Bronx! The last of our most popular NYC rentals for 2020 is this elegant, old-school 1-bedroom. The prewar beauty sports inlaid hardwoods, decorative moldings, and a windowed eat-in kitchen. Pelham Parkway is a pretty, leafy location close to the amazing New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo. Easy subway access to the 2 and 5 lines gets you to Manhattan in minutes.  Solomon Brecher at Padsters was the listing agent.

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Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, find your next NYC apartment on StreetEasy.