An 'alarming increase' in co-op board rejections, where to find Passive Houses in NYC, & more

This week readers visited Brick Underground for a guide to the eight best Bronx neighborhoods for 2020. While the Bronx isn't always top of mind for many considering a move in New York City, it's the city's most inexpensive borough and offers diversity, lots of green space, and decent commutes to Manhattan. Neighborhoods like Riverdale have a suburban vibe with diverse housing options while Mott Haven, an area in transition, is close to Manhattan and getting a massive new mixed-use development with 1,350 rentals.

Also of interest: The best neighborhoods to live in if you're a techie transplanting to the NYC to work at one of the new Google, Facebook, Amazon, or Disney offices. For example, if you're going to work in in Hudson Yards, check out Long Island City for its quick commute via the 7 train, or Sunnyside, which is a bit further, and more affordable.

Here, in full, are this week's top stories.

1) NYC buyer's market triggers 'alarming increase' in co-op boards rejecting offer

2) Moving to the Bronx: The 8 best neighborhoods to check out in 2020

3) Where to live if you're going to work at the new Google, Facebook, Amazon, or Disney offices in NYC

4) NYC Passive House guide: Where to find eco-friendly apartments and townhouses that are healthy and quiet too

5) I lived above an 80 year old who had a barbershop in his apartment. His death felt like the end of old Astoria

And from this week's sponsors: 

Ask Sam: How do I find out if I’ve been overcharged for rent, and what can I do about it? [sponsored]